MIAMI, OK — An investigative audit into a Tar Creek trust authority is looking into possible infractions involving a contract awarded for cleanup work, according to state Auditor and Inspector
The audit involves the Lead-Impacted Communities Relocation Trust and was requested by the attorney general's office.
“The audit is in the final stages and should be presented to the attorney general within a month,” Jones said.
John Hart, spokesman for Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee, said the senator has been concerned about possible misuse of funds.
Trust officials declined to comment about specifics of the audit.
The 40-square-mile area in northern Ottawa County, in far northeast Oklahoma, remains a hotbed for environmental problems.
The trust was formed after a 2006 Army Corps of Engineers study showed the ground above abandoned lead and zinc mines in Cardin, Picher and Hockerville, known as the Tar Creek Superfund site, had a high risk of caving in. Over $46 million was spent buying out homes and businesses. The relocation plan involved 878 buyout offers.
The trust is also involved in litigation regarding buyout offers.
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