President Barack Obama hailed the revival of the nation's auto industry on Wednesday while acknowledging the water crisis in nearby Flint, Michigan, saying the detection of high levels of lead serve as a reminder that the government can't shortchange basic services.

Speaking to auto workers after taking in the North American International Auto Show, Obama said he would be beside himself if his children's health were put at risk. He said he met with Flint's mayor the day before and promised federal help.

"I told her we are going to have her back and all the people of Flint back as they work their way through this terrible tragedy," he said.

Obama sought to highlight how his administration provided the auto industry with billions of dollars in capital during the heart of the Great Recession even as many others were calling for the government to focus its resources elsewhere. He said the outcome of his administration's bet is evident through a much-improved economy. Americans purchased nearly 17.5 million vehicles last year, a record.

"What's true of Detroit is true of the country," he said. "I want people to remember how far we've come."

Obama spoke at the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources, the national headquarters of the joint relationship between the United Auto Workers union and General Motors. His visit took place as longstanding problems with the drinking water in Flint have begun to capture the nation's attention.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder asked Obama on Wednesday to reconsider his denial of a federal disaster declaration to address the drinking water crisis, saying its severity poses an "imminent and long-term threat" to residents. Obama declared an emergency '€” qualifying the city for $5 million '€” but determined that it is not a disaster based on the legal requirement that such additional relief is intended for natural events, fires, floods or explosions.

The president spent nearly an hour at the auto show, looking at crash avoidance technology from ZF TRW and sitting in a 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, an all-electric car that will be available late this year. He also looked at a new Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

"You guys remember, 'Get Shorty,' right?" Obama said to reporters and photographers. "It's cool driving a minivan."

After arriving in Detroit, Obama had lunch at a brewery with Mayor Mike Duggan, a GM employee and others, then stopped at watch maker Shinola before heading to the show. He eventually veered off in the direction of a bright yellow 2017 Chevrolet Corvette.

"That one is juiced up a little more," he said.

The White House clearly intended to shine the spotlight on Detroit, but problems in Flint have intervened. The federal emergency declaration allows up to $5 million in assistance and requires a 25 percent match in funding from the state. The White House also appointed a Health and Human Services official to coordinate federal help provided to local responders and the state.

The crisis began in 2014 when a state-appointed emergency manager switched Flint from Detroit water to Flint River water to save money. The corrosive water caused lead to leach from old pipes. Flint returned to the Detroit system in October after elevated lead levels were discovered in children.

As to the auto industry, the US treasury invested about $80 billion in it during the last recession. After counting loan repayments, dividends and stock sales, the federal government recovered $70.5 billion.

Obama can't take all of the credit for the government's help. President George W. Bush initiated the auto bailout with more than $17 billion in short-term loans. Under ordinary circumstances, Bush said he wouldn't have favored intervening to prevent auto makers from going out of business, but in the midst of a financial crisis and recession, allowing the industry to collapse would send the country into a deeper and longer recession.

The Obama administration also provided additional capital to help Chrysler and GM continue operating as they restructured operations before and during a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. The companies shuttered plants, laid off workers and cut ties with thousands of dealerships.

Associated Press writer David Eggert contributed to this report.

Popular

Volcano erupts in North Sulawesi, hundreds evacuated

Dubai roads, airport reel from floods after record rains

Ramadan boosts consumer confidence, retail sales