WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Montana Senator Conrad Burns said today the Senate VA/HUD Subcommittee provided $3.9 million at his request to continue funding a Butte firm's mine waste technology program, and another $1 million for various NASA-funded projects. The funds are included as part of the fiscal year 2001 VA/HUD and Independent Agencies appropriations bill, which was approved by the committee today.

"We are certainly very grateful for Conrad's efforts on behalf of these promising technologies," said Don Peoples, president and CEO of MSE, Inc. "These funds come at a critical time for Butte's economy and will help provide some added stability both to MSE and the community."

"MSE is truly one of the shining jewels in Montana's high-tech business community," said Burns. "Their efforts on behalf of environmental technology have not only provided jobs to families, but have developed technologies that will help keep our state beautiful for generations to come."

The Mine Waste Technology program helps to develop technologies to treat or minimize waste at abandoned or active mining sites, and has created many additional technologies that have proven effective in the removal of heavy materials from water.

The bill must now be approved by the full Senate.