"A controversial public relations contract between the global firm Mercury and the state of Michigan has ended, The Hill has learned.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) came under fire for hiring the high-powered firm to help deal with the fallout from the water contamination crisis in Flint, Mich.

Statements from January, when the representation was first announced, cited the “extreme interest” of the media and “severity of this issue” as the reasons for bringing on additional help from the private sector.

The contract was drafted to last one month, a source familiar with the relationship told The Hill. Following a consultation with the governor’s office, the firm and the embattled Snyder decided to part ways as planned. "

Megan R. Wilson reports for The Hill March 24, 2016. [2]