Records say the Michigan attorney general's office has spent at least $2.3 million this year in its investigation into Flint's lead-tainted water crisis.

The Detroit Free Press reports (http://on.freep.com/2dgLLBF ) that officials said this week the latest numbers include the salaries of 18 lawyers and support staff, 12 investigators and the cost to pursue court cases.

An initial $1.5 million was authorized through mid-2017. In July, the State Administrative Board approved Attorney General Bill Schuette's request for $3.4 million more.

Nine current or former public officials been criminally charged in the Flint water crisis. Two companies also are facing civil charges.

Schuette's office has described the cost of its work as reasonable and has said it will spend whatever is appropriate in the investigation.

___

Information from: Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com