NORMAN, Okla. – Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Thursday the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is wrapping up cleanup operations on state-owned property near the 200 block of South Reed Avenue in Norman following a recent overdose death at a homeless encampment.
Officials said the cleanup is part of Operation SAFE, a statewide initiative focused on removing homeless encampments, trash, and hazardous debris from state-owned land, including underpasses, highways, and other public property.
Key Takeaways
- State troopers spent multiple days clearing trash, needles and debris from a homeless encampment near South Reed Avenue in Norman
- Officials said thousands of needles and hazardous materials were removed from the property
- Operation SAFE focuses on cleaning up state-owned land like underpasses, highways, and public right-of-ways
- The state is encouraging people to connect those experiencing homelessness with local support services through the “Be A Neighbor” initiative
What troopers removed from the area
According to the governor’s office, troopers cleared several acres of land during the operation and recovered thousands of needles and other dangerous materials from the site.
“The recent overdose death in this area and the encampment’s proximity to a residential area presents safety risks for everyone,” Stitt said in the release…