FLINT, MI -- Gov. Rick Snyder has declared a state of emergency for Genesee County because of health and safety issues caused by lead in the city's drinking water.

Snyder's office issued a news release today, Jan. 5, saying the governor has authorized the Michigan State Police to coordinate the state's efforts as the request for assistance moves to the federal government.

"The health and welfare of Flint residents is a top priority, and we're committed to a coordinated approach with resources from state agencies to address all aspects of this situation," Snyder said in announcing the move. "Working in full partnership with the Flint Water Advisory Task Force, all levels of government and water quality experts, we will find both short-term and long-term solutions to ensure the health and safety of Flint residents."

Flint Mayor Karen Weaver was scheduled to speak on the development in more detail during a news conference scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today, but said she will be "positive and optimistic" in continuing to advocate for a federal disaster designation that could bring millions of dollars in assistance to the area.

"I did not expect it (the governor's decision) as quickly as it happened, but I'll take it," Weaver said. "I believed this was what Flint should have. I'm going to keep my positive attitude going forward."

Weaver declared a man-made disaster in Flint in December because of the city's water crisis, which developed after the city began using the Flint River as its short-term drinking water source while it was being run by a state-appointed emergency manager in October 2014.

The number of children with elevated blood lead levels in the city doubled after the change in water source from Lake Huron to the river, and city officials say the highly corrosive river water damaged Flint's aging water transmission pipes and caused lead to leach into the water supply.

In October, the state Department of Environmental Quality acknowledged that it had failed to require the city to treat the river water with phosphates -- something that would have made it less corrosive.

The governor's news release says Snyder today activated the State Emergency Operations Center "to coordinate state response and recovery activities. State agencies will report to the center to coordinate resources, assess the situation and begin providing assets to assist with local relief operations."

In addition to Weaver's disaster declaration, Genesee County declared a "local state of emergency" Monday, Jan. 4.