White House discusses President Biden's schedule for East Palestine visit

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Amtrak's Alliance Train Station, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, in Alliance, Ohio. Biden is on a train tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania today.

The details of President Joe Biden's Friday visit to East Palestine have been revealed.

President Biden is scheduled to leave Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at 1:30 p.m. and arrive in Pittsburgh at 2:25 p.m.

Biden will then travel to East Palestine and get an operational briefing around 4:20 p.m. before speaking on how the Administration is holding Norfolk Southern accountable for the derailment and its work with state and local officials to support the community moving forward at 4:45 p.m.

During a press briefing Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden is going at the invite of East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway and plans to hear directly from the people of East Palestine.

"This is a trip that he has been wanting to make but wanted to make sure that it was the right time to do," Jean-Pierre said. "When the derailment happened, the federal agencies were on the ground within hours  and many of them have continued to be there, whether it's the EPA or FEMA."

One reporter also asked about the drinking water in East Palestine.

Jean-Pierre said Biden has no concerns about drinking the water in the village.

"The EPA is confident that the drinking water is safe," Jean-Pierre said. "I'm sure some of you might remember when the EPA Administrator Regan was - was there - one of the many times he's visited, he drank the water there last year. So, we have no concerns."

It is not believed the President will grant a major disaster declaration or announce further funding assistance. There's been ongoing scrutiny towards of President for waiting this long to step foot in the Village. Some residents say they feel forgotten and hope Friday's visit isn't just a photo-op.

The President is scheduled to return to Pittsburgh International Airport at 7:35 p.m. and return to Dover, Delaware around 8:45 p.m.

21 News had a discussion with White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton on Thursday evening. That interview will air on WFMJ Today Friday morning as President Biden prepares for his visit. 21 News is the only local media traveling with President Biden during his time in the village.

Stay updated with us on air and WFMJ.com throughout the day Friday.