Rocky Flats legislation passes senate

By Anne C. Mulkern Denver Post Staff Writer

Washington - Legislation introduced by Colorado's senators to finalize the cleanup at Rocky Flats, provide mental health screenings for military personnel and bring millions to the Pueblo Chemical Depot passed the Senate Tuesday as part of a defense funding bill.

The Rocky Flats provision, added by Sens. Wayne Allard, a Republican, and Ken Salazar, a Democrat, gives the Department of Energy $10 million to buy mineral drilling rights for four parcels at the former nuclear weapons plant.

It's the last step needed before Rocky Flats can become a wildlife refuge.

“The site has been returned to the way it was before plutonium production at Rocky Flats began,” Allard said. “It is now a beautiful open space that we all can enjoy.”

Salazar added a provision to the bill calling for $51 million for construction, planning and design work to accelerate the destruction of chemical weapons at depots in Pueblo and Bluegrass, Ky.

He also added language requiring  the Defense Department to provide mental health screenings for armed forces members.

Mental health experts predict that 15 percent to 30 percent of those returning from the conflicts will develop post-traumatic stress disorder.

“This amendment will help to diagnose soldiers earlier, and improve their long-term quality of life," Salazar said.

He also added amendments providing grants to retrain spouses when military members relocate, and allowing the Defense Department to provide security at some officially-sanctioned Paralympic events.

Lawmakers now will work out differences between Senate and House versions of the bill before voting on it again.