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Obama Statement on EPA Involvement and Progress Made in Cleanup of Unsafe Cairo Hospital

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Contact: Robert Gibbs or Tommy Vietor, (202) 228-5511
Illinois Contact: Julian Green (312) 886-3506
Date: March 1, 2006

Obama Statement on EPA Involvement and Progress Made in Cleanup of Unsafe Cairo Hospital

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement that the agency will begin assessing the best ways to clean up the abandoned St. Mary's Hospital in Cairo:

Last fall, Obama asked state and federal agencies to work together to find a solution for Cairo's abandoned hospital. The hospital is filled with asbestos, medical waste and patient records, and had been a refuge for homeless people.

"I am pleased that EPA officials have come to Cairo to work with state and local officials to determine how best to move forward and cleanup this unsafe facility," said Senator Obama. "EPA's involvement shows that we're making real progress and demonstrates that officials on all levels are committed to working together to do whatever is necessary to protect families in this community."