SRS cuts make it to House floor

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Last week, an appropriations subcommittee slashed funding for a plant to build new triggers for nuclear weapons and a plant that would convert plutonium from those weapons to fuel for commercial nuclear reactors — principally Duke Energy's Catawba Nuclear Station in Rock Hill.

The plants are expected to bring 3,100 jobs and about $8.4 billion in investment to the state.

The full appropriations committee approved the cuts late Wednesday night.

"The Congressman was disappointed," said Colleen Mangone, spokesman for Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C. Barrett's district includes SRS.

Mangone said some House members believe the plants are a nuclear non-proliferation issue. Environmental groups have criticized the Bush administration for supporting the plants while opposing nuclear programs in other countries.

Mangone said Barrett will work with Sen. Lindsey Graham's office to get the funding restored when the Senate considers the SRS funding. A spokesman for Graham said last week that the senator would fight for the funding when it comes to the Senate.