Tar Creek Study

A solution has finally been approved for a portion of Northeast Oklahoma deemed a wasteland. The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed Sentate Bill 1490, which will fund a buy-out plan for families in the Tar Creek Superfund site. But it has certain limitations. It`s a five-million dollar plan that will be split into two years. Once Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signs it into legislation, families with kids age six and under will be able to take advantage of the money to move out of the area. Governor Henry says Senate bill 1490 is an historic move for Oklahoma. He also says it`s long-overdue help. The total planned five-million dollar expense will be split into two years, three-million for the first year, then two-million the following year. John Sparkman with the picher housing authority says this is a good opportunity for families in the area wanting a way out. Here`s how it works: If you own your home, it will be appraised on values outside of the site. If you rent, you`ll get one year`s rent at another home/apartment where you choose to live. Here`s how the relocation plan works. Sparkman says that if you own your own home within the site, your home will be appraised as if your home is outside of the site. If you rent, you`ll get enough money to rent another apartment or home for one year. The application process will begin soon and the funds should start to roll in sometime in September. Reported By: Ryan Loyd