KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather SportsSenate approves amendment to authorize Treece buyout

Senate approves amendment to authorize Treece buyout

The U.S. Senate approves an amendment that gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to buyout Treece, Kansas.

U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS), Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), introduced the amendment.  The amendment was accepted by voice vote to the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations Bill.  The Interior bill is expected to be signed by the Senate later Thursday.

Senator Inhofe, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, successfully obtained a federal buyout for the town of Picher, Oklahoma, just across the state line from Treece.

"I'm pleased to be able to work with Senators Roberts and Brownback and with Congresswoman (Lynn) Jenkins (R-KS) to not only write a provision to extend the same kind of resident assistance to Treece which residents in Picher and Cardin have received, but work to pass that language in the Senate Interior appropriations bill," says Senator Inhofe.  "I will continue to work with my friends to ensure this provision is included in the final legislation presented to the President."

"The people of Treece are living in an unsafe environment lacking basic services," Senator Brownback said. "Past generations worked hard to mine ores used in building war-time munitions and those mining activities have created sink holes and contaminated soil to the point that Treece is no longer habitable. The residents of Treece have served America in the past; now it is time for us to help them relocate."

"Helping Treece's residents secure the buyout they've been seeking for years has been a priority of mine since coming to Congress in January," Rep. Jenkins said. A century of mining left behind dangerous living conditions, and I'm glad we are one step closer to providing the residents of Treece the assistance they need. Until the buyout becomes a reality, I will continue working with Senators Roberts and Brownback and also Senator Inhofe, the EPA as well the folks of Treece to make sure it is successful."

In August, EPA sent key officials to Treece. Representative Jenkins hosted officials through the town and held a town listening session where residents could relay their concerns.

Following this visit in September, EPA began blood and air quality testing at the request of residents.

The Interior Appropriations Bill must now go to a conference committee to resolve differences in the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the bill. The conference report must then be approved by both chambers before it heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.