Legislators Seek Justice for Residents of Rock Springs'

Thursday, February 25, 2010
Rep. Craft and Sen. Hastert Sponsor Budget AmendmentsCheyenne, WY - Years after the state attempted a dynamic compaction project in Rock Springs those residents of the so-called "tree streets" will finally get justice for the harm done to their homes and residences. Amendments to the Wyoming budget, introduced by Rep. Bernadine Craft (D-Rock Springs) and Sen. John Hastert (D-Green River) will pay for a structural engineer to determine the extent to which the dynamic compaction project was to blame for the rapid deterioration of the "tree street" homes. Today an amendment brought by Sens. Hastert, Martin (R-Rock Springs), and Cooper (R-Kemmerer) passed the Senate by a vote of 20-10. The same amendment, introduced by Reps. Craft and Simpson (R-Cody), passed unanimously in the House this afternoon. "There have been a lot of broken promises since 2007 and that was three years ago. These people shouldn't still be dealing with the devastating consequences of having homes that are literally falling apart around them," said Rep. Craft, "There were so many opportunities to address this and we need to end it here and now."The proposed amendments will direct $120,000 to hire a structural engineer to assess the damage. Based on the findings of the engineer, the Wyoming Attorney General will then be required to settle with the residents for damages related to dynamic compaction. Senator Hastert added, "The bottom line is that this situation has arisen because of actions of the state. What better way to direct our Abandoned Mine Land (AML) monies than to help people affected by seismic shifts of abandoned mines? I can’t think of one." Becky Kelley and Donna Maynard, both residents of affected Ash Street in Rock Springs, were able to come to Cheyenne to tell their story. After the vote they expressed thanks to all Senators and Representatives, especially those who were committed to their cause from the beginning. This particular piece of legislation has crossed party lines and geographic boundaries. Rep. Lisa Shepperson (R-Casper) discussed the fact that earlier in the day the House supported a state code, which says we always keep our word. "It's time to live up to that code," said Shepperson. After the vote Kelley said, "Thank heavens for the code of the west.""Passing these amendments was a definite high point in the session. We had House members totally united in their support of private citizens," said Rep. Craft.

Photo: Courtesy of the Wyoming Legislative Internship ProgramPicturing (l-r): Donna Maynard, Rep. Craft, Becky Kelley, and Sen. Hastert