Congressmen Go Underground In Colorado For Hearing On Mining Engineers

IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Members of Congress have ventured deep into a Colorado mountain to argue for federal dollars to train badly needed mining engineers.

A House subcommittee held a hearing Monday in a rough-walled chamber about 1,000 feet inside the Edgar Mine west of Denver. The mine once produced silver and gold and now helps college students learn engineering techniques.

The subcommittee heard testimony from industry representatives on a bill to make sure up to $2 million a year from an existing mine program goes for engineer training.

Panel members say an August spill from the inactive Gold King Mine in southwest Colorado underscores the need.

However, the setting stole the show. The hearing was held in chilly opening carved out of solid rock where Colorado School of Mines students learn engineering.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)