Senate approves bill for water projects; millions for Flint

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate approved a $10 billion water projects bill Thursday that includes emergency funding for Flint, Michigan — nearly a year after officials declared a public health emergency because of lead-contaminated water.

The Senate measure would authorize 29 projects in 18 states for dredging, flood control and other projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The bipartisan bill includes $100 million in grants and loans to replace lead-contaminated pipes in Flint and other cities with lead emergencies, as well as $50 million to test water for lead in schools and $70 million for water infrastructure loans.

Michigan's Democratic senators, Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, welcomed the Flint measure, but said it comes months too late, with city residents still using bottled water.

The dispute involves dredging planned near a submarine base outside New London, Connecticut, to make room for the Navy's newest Virginia-class submarines.