Harris makes lead and arsenic crisis a top priority

I was overwhelmed by the amount of bipartisan support received in addressing the contamination issues in the USS lead superfund site in East Chicago during this year’s legislative session. My father always told me you have to take care of home first, which is why this issue was the primary focus of my efforts on your behalf at the statehouse. The culmination of those efforts occurred late last month when Governor Holcomb visited Riley Park and signed the new law that will take substantial steps to help local
residents affected by the lead and arsenic crisis.

The law, which I authored, outlines the process for expanded sampling and removal of contaminated soil, develops a plan to help relocate affected residents and calls for more extensive testing of the city’s water supplies. It also streamlines the coordination of responsibilities between local, state and federal agencies so that the work can be done quickly and effectively.

This legislation is a big step forward for our community and shows what we can accomplish when working together.

Governor Eric Holcomb signs Rep. Earl L. Harris Jr.’s bill addressing lead contamination issues into law. Local leaders in attendance for the event included (seated, from left) Rep. Michael Aylesworth of Hebron, Rep. Earl L. Harris Jr. of East Chicago, Governor Holcomb, Senator Ed Charbonneau of Valparaiso, and (standing, from left) Senator Eddie Melton of Gary, Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon of Munster, East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland, and Senator Lonnie Randolph of East Chicago.