Governor Brad Henry unveils a new buyout plan for the Tar Creek Superfund site

Monday, January 26th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Health concerns have plagued residents in the nation's top superfund site for years, but Monday, families living in Tar Creek may soon be able to sell their homes in a new buyout plan proposed by Governor Brad Henry.

The $5-million buyout focuses on families with children six years old and younger. It would assist eligible homeowners and ranchers as well as provide funding for schools and other local government agencies. Governor Henry says getting these families with young children away from the contaminated area is vital.

"All of the credible science that exists today tells us that during the first 72-months of life, the first six years, children are highly susceptible to problems from lead poisoning."

The governor's plan is designed to work alongside US Senator Jim Inhofe's proposal for a privately-funded buyout.

So far, the federal government has spent $100-million on the clean-up, an amount that could have purchased the entire 40-square mile area.