EPA CREWS TAKE SOIL SAMPLES FROM A HOUSE AT 5028 ALEXANDER
Gov. Holcomb declares emergency disaster in East Chicago
Contributed By:The 411 News
State throws full weight behind response to lead contamination
Indiana’s Gov. Eric Holcomb has given East Chicago the lifeline that former Gov. Mike Pence wouldn’t. Today, he issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency exists due to lead contamination in the US Smelter and Lead Superfund site.
“After months of local and state action to meet the safety, health and housing needs of these East Chicago residents, I’m declaring this disaster emergency in hopes that we can accelerate, coordinate and focus local, state and federal efforts and resources where they will have the greatest benefit,” Governor Holcomb said.
Holcomb’s Executive Order 17-13, Declaration of Disaster Emergency for the East Chicago Superfund Site, came one day after East Chicago State Rep. Earl Harris’ bill seeking state assistance for the lead contamination was approved by the House Committee on Environmental Affairs.
Harris said, “First of all, I am happy that the response has been to move forward with helping the area. I am also glad to hear Gov. Holcomb is stepping up and supporting East Chicago to help the community overcome this catastrophe.” Rep. Harris invited the governor and members of the legislature to visit East Chicago and speak to residents.
Included in the provisions of the 30-day state of emergency are orders to assist with relocation of residents remaining in the West Calumet Housing Complex, demolition of the housing complex, assistance with emergency services, lead testing, and lead pipe replacement.
The order also calls for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to encourage the financing of new affordable housing development in the city.
East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland said, “We greatly appreciate Governor Holcomb’s declaration today, and his compassion for our residents. We are working on ways that we can leverage the city’s resources with the State of Indiana’s resources and expertise to efficiently address the problems facing these Hoosier families.”
Story Posted:02/09/2017
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