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Show Jarrioii rcsomnicnG II otudy So. Of oh folloii? potential for interference by a project orficer, while a grant does not attempt to dictate the design of the study," he said. Marriott also said he is waiting for additional information infor-mation from the White House on how soon such a study will be undertaken. He and other Western Congressmen recently re-cently wrote President Carter Car-ter asking for an investigation. investi-gation. "The President, along with HEW Secretary Joseph Califano have committed themselves to a targeted study in Utah," reminded Marriott, "and I expect word from them shortly on the timing of it." Congressman Dan Marriott Mar-riott (R-Utah) recommended the University of Utah be awarded a federal grant to investigate the alleged leukemiafallout link in Utah. In a statement released in Washington, Marriott said the U is the logical choice for the study due to extensive prior experience in the area, and the availability of past medical records. "We are near the brink of dealing with this growing crisis in our state," Mar-Riott Mar-Riott commented, "and I think it's important that we move quickly and decisively to resolve the questions. If there is indeed a link between be-tween the government's atomic testing in the 1950's and the apparently ab- . normally high rate of cancer can-cer in Southern Utah, it needs to be pinpointed and dealt with." Marriott noted that there are indications that the entire en-tire state was affected by the fallout. "Areas in the Uintah Basin and even farther north are now suspect. sus-pect. We must get on with, an investigation so we can treat those who need treatment and give proper compensation to survivors of those who lost their lives because of the testing," he said. Marriott emphasized that the University has no vested interest in such a study and would therefore be unbiased. "They would, of course, have a great interest in the factual outcome, but there would be no financial profit to be derived," de-rived," he said. "In addition, the College Col-lege of Medicine already has a long record of experience in radiation and fallout, dating back to the early 1960's," Marriott added, "and certainly has the expertise ex-pertise to carry out such a study." Finally, Marriott said medical records at the U. would be invaluable. "Much of the factual information is already on file and has been used for medical purposes. We would be a long way ahead if we began with that kind of data already available," he said. Marriott recommended the funding come in a grant rather than a contract to allow al-low greater freedom for the researchers. "A federal contract is often too restrictive and offers the |
