Voluntary buyout of some in Tar Creek clears state House

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A bill allowing the voluntary buyout of some families in the contaminated Tar Creek site is now going to the governor.<br/><br/>The bill allowing the state to give financial assistance

Tuesday, May 25th 2004, 2:29 pm

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A bill allowing the voluntary buyout of some families in the contaminated Tar Creek site is now going to the governor.

The bill allowing the state to give financial assistance to families with children 6-years-old or younger and who want to move passed the state House Tuesday. About 100 families are believed to qualify for the voluntary relocation.

Governor Brad Henry says legislative leaders are promising $3-million for the program this year and $2-million next year.

The Tar Creek site in northeastern Oklahoma is contaminated by years of lead and zinc mining.

Children in the area have been found to have high levels of lead in their blood, which can cause learning disabilities and neurological disorders.