By AP
FLINT, MI – Flint has received a $6.8 million federal stimulus grant that could allow the struggling city to recall recently laid-off firefighters.
U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint, says Flint should be able to rehire 39 firefighters.
Democratic U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow say the money comes from $7 million in Homeland Security Department grants to state emergency responders.
Last month, Flint announced the layoffs of 23 of 88 firefighters and 46 of 150 police officers to help close a budget deficit. The cuts have been accompanied by a wave of arsons, many in abandoned homes.
Flint has lost tens of thousands of auto jobs in recent decades. Its population has fallen to about 115,000 from a peak of about 197,000.