The lawsuit alleges the companies caused property loss, and the residents seek financial damages due to emotional distress.

Many East Chicago residents are concerned demolition will spread contaminated dust.

The money must be used within a year - though HUD hasn't officially approved the city's controversial demolition plan for the West Calumet Housing Complex.

One year ago, East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland told residents of the West Calumet Housing Complex they had to move out because of lead and arsenic contamination.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development held a hearing Monday about a plan to demolish the lead-contaminated West Calumet Housing Complex.

Federal agencies continue to oppose intervention by a group of residents asking a U.S. District Court to give them a larger role in the clean up of their neighborhood.

Both residents and lawmakers say the bill is a positive step, but much work remains.

Residents say they're grateful for the progress made to date, but continue to struggle with the break up of their social networks.

Lead paint was found on the exterior of 16 out of 27 emergency units.

House Bill 1344 designates East Chicago as "an area of special concern," and allocates resources for water and soil testing in the city.