FLINT -- Update: November 18, 2011
The Associated Press reports the Flint City Council is going to hold an investigative hearing Tuesday on why the $1.1 million federal grant was canceled. According to the report, subpoenas were issued to 24 people, including Mayor Dayne Walling and other officials.
The AP also reports the hearing will focus on federal grants for the Communtiy Development Block Grants and Neighborhood Stabilization Programs.
City leaders in Flint are playing the blame game after the loss of a $1.1 million grant.
The money was supposed to be used to conserve energy and create jobs but now the money has been taken away. Back in March of 2010 it was just the news that Flint city leaders needed, a 1.1 million dollar grant given by the Department of Energy. Fast forward to this year and the money was taken away.
Councilman Sheldon Neeley says, "The biggest tragedy in this is that the residence of Flint has lost 1.1 million dollars."
The money was supposed to be used to create jobs and save energy. The company Advanced Solutions group was even hired to come up with a plan to use the money. They planned to install LED lights across the city, estimated to save two million dollars. They also wanted to convert waste to methane making another three million in profit. But, that's all down the drain after the Department of Energy recently ruled the money had been misused.
As we face tough times its not what taxpayers want to hear.
Flint resident Alvis Allen says, "We need all we can get right now. whatever type of assistance from the government."
Matt Quisson is frustrated also saying, " he whole things a mess, I just want to move out of this city i'm tired of living here."
Instead of getting free money the city now owes two-hundred thousand dollars to the Department of Energy. Councilman Sheldon Neeley blames the Mayor and City Attorney.
He also says they withheld this information until after the recent mayors election.
