U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe on Tuesday announced an 18-month moratorium on federal loan payments for two Tar Creek communities whose ability to make the payments is being hampered by the ongoing buyout.

The Oklahoma Republican said the moratorium should relieve pressure on Picher and Cardin to make the monthly payments on the water infrastructure loans.

Inhofe said the moratorium was approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Office.

According to information provided by the senator's office, Picher's loan is for $800,000...Cardin's USDA loan is for $300,000. more)

Many families who had lived in danger now have a chance on a new life in a safer place, thanks to this unprecedented federal-state project...We've made dramatic progress in a very short time, but we will not rest until our work is completed.

Labels: Brad Henry, Sen. Inhofe, Tar Creek