Detroit Pistons owner and Flint, Michigan native Tom Gores announced today that he will pledge $10 million in relief efforts for Flint to aid the city during its catastrophic water crisis.Up until April 2014, Flint received its water from Detroit, by way of Lake Huron, but the state-appointed manager of the cash-strapped city switched over to the Flint River in an attempt to save money. The resulting tap water, however, wound up being contaminated with lead and iron due to the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), illegally, failing to treat it with anti-corrosive agents. The DEQ has been placed under investigation and Flint was declared in a state of emergency since January 16, following cases of hair loss, rashes, and lead poisoning. Ten Flint residents died after an outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease, which may be related to the lead-tainted water."The issues facing Flint won't be solved solely through government intervention and emergency support," Gores said. "The private sector needs to play a role here, and I am committed to helping drive that effort. I grew up in Flint, my family has strong roots there, and I believe in the people who live there."Gores has also appointed Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem to reach out to various businesses in the area to help provide support. In addition, Gores has pledged to host benefits at the Pistons arena, the Palace of Auburn Hills.#Pistons owner Tom Gores pledges $10 million for Flint relief efforts.Read more: https://t.co/TjqDmQrl8b
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 28, 2016