KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County commissioners have voted to sue the Trump White House, which has stopped payments on a large grant that would have helped the local community be better prepared for events like last Thursday’s windstorm.
The $18.9-million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency would have been used to tighten up homes and harden local neighborhood centers to make them storm resistant and able to provide shelter in stormy weather.
The county board met in closed session Tuesday afternoon, and later voted to join other plaintiffs.
Commissioner Abigail Wheeler made the motion.
Chair Jen Strebs says that money would have helped a lot of people in the community.
She says Congress has the sole constitutional right to dispense money, that’s why they are suing.
The EPA had not only approved the money but had already been reimbursing the county for expenses this spring when it suddenly dried up.
The class action suit may have a good chance of winning if it does go forward. The Institute for Policy Integrity claims the current administration has failed nearly 93% of the time, when actions by its agencies have resulted in legal challenges.
Lawyers for Good Governance, The Southern Environmental Law Center and Earth Justice are the law groups leading the litigation.
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