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Here are the latest updates in Jackson’s ongoing water crisis.
President Joe Biden briefed on Jackson water crisis
President Biden has been briefed on the Jackson water crisis and flooding, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who shared a thread on Twitter about the situation Tuesday morning.
“We are closely monitoring the floods in Mississippi, and the @POTUS,” the Tweets state, “has been briefed. At his direction, we have been in regular contact with state and local officials, including Mayor Lumumba, and made clear that the Federal Government stands ready to offer assistance.
“The city of Jackson is using over $20 million in American Rescue Plan to address water and sewer infrastructure needs. We have also made about $75 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding available this year to provide clean and safe water across the state of Mississippi.
“We will continue to partner closely with state and local officials to support the people of Mississippi, and stand ready to assist further as soon as we receive an official request from the state.
“FEMA is working closely with the state officials to identify needs, and the EPA is coordinating with industry partners to expedite delivery of critical treatment equipment for emergency repairs at the City of Jackson water treatment facilities.”
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba to hold 2 p.m. press conference
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday on the front steps of City Hall at 219 S. President St., Jackson, to address Jackson’s ongoing water crisis, the city announced earlier today.
Lumumba will discuss the status of the city’s water system and provide updates on city events and initiatives, city officials said.
The press conference comes a day after Lumumba and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared separate states of emergency over the failure of Jackson’s water system. Reeves is mobilizing the National Guard to distribute potable and non-potable water to Jackson residents.
Jackson Public Works Director Marlin King steps down
Also, Tuesday morning multiple media outlets are reporting that Jackson Public Works Director Marlin King has stepped down and been reassigned.
WLBT News of Jackson reported that King, who was confirmed by the city council a year ago, said he made the decision after speaking with Lumumba.
“He asked me to come in and identify some issues,” WLBT reported King as saying. “I’ve identified them and he’s now going to bring in someone who can work through them.”
King told WLBT that the issues “include employee mismanagement, a poor work environment, and vendors going unpaid.”
Where to get drinking water, non-potable water in Jackson
Also, Tuesday morning the City of Jackson announced the city will hold a mass distribution of water for residents, separate from a state-sponsored water distribution being handled by the Mississippi National Guard.
“The City of Jackson has brought in tankers to distribute non-potable water to residents in need. Residents are asked to bring a container – such as a garbage can or cooler – to store the water. The tankers are located at Forest Hill High School at 2607 Raymond Road and at the MetroCenter at 3645 Highway 80,” the city announced.
“Non-potable water is not of drinking quality, but may still be used for other purposes, such as flushing toilets, washing clothes and cleaning.
“We will update residents on additional water distribution sites as soon as we have new information. “
