From staff, AP reports

news@joplinglobe.com

PICHER, Okla. — More than $6.2 million for the ongoing cleanup of the Tar Creek Superfund site has been secured via a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. The money is available immediately.

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., and Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry made the announcement Friday.

“This grant will provide $6.24 million to further the buyout of residents as well as the demolition or relocation of homes, businesses and public-use structures in areas susceptible to collapse,” Inhofe said in a statement. “Because of the successful collaboration between me, Congressman Boren and Gov. Henry, the finish line is now in sight.”

“This is more good news for the people in the Picher and Cardin areas,” said Henry. “This has been a long, difficult process and there will be more challenges ahead, but with the continued flow of federal funds, we will complete the relocations in a timely manner.”

The grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency brings the amount provided for relocation efforts to about $45 million. Another $10 million may be needed for completion, officials have said.

Superfund site

The Tar Creek Superfund site includes 40 square miles of former zinc and lead mining land in Ottawa County, Okla. The site has been on the EPA Superfund list for two decades.

A voluntary federal buyout was announced in May 2006. An earlier state buyout targeted families with young children.

Source: The Associated Press