Governor Brad Henry, US Senator Jim Inhofe Tar Creek Plan Nearing Completion

Wednesday, May 3rd 2006, 5:56 am

By: News On 6

PICHER, Okla. (AP) -- A proposal by Governor Brad Henry and US Senator Jim Inhofe that involves the mandatory buyout of homes in the Tar Creek Superfund area is nearing completion.

Last year, the state purchased the homes of or provided moving expenses for 55 families with children 6 years old or younger in a voluntary program. The federal and state plan being prepared calls for a mandatory buyout.

Inhofe spokesman Danny Finnerty said Tuesday that safety is the primary concern behind the plan.

Finnerty says a study released in January that showed much of the area is susceptible to collapse led Inhofe to support a mandatory move.

Henry's spokesman, Paul Sund, said the governor and Inhofe have been working on a plan for several months.

The federal government would pay for the buyout, but state officials would have to implement most of the project.

Tar Creek is a former lead and zinc mining hub that's been plagued with mine collapses, mountains of lead-contaminated mine waste and high blood-lead levels in area children.