Also of interest to those living downwind of the Nevada Test Site was the final language of appropriations bills for research and development of nuclear weapons. The Energy and Water Appropriations bill dropped provisions that would fund the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator — a bunker-buster nuclear warhead — and new advanced concepts weapons designs.

"I am very proud to be among those who stood up to the administration and said we won't go down the path towards the resumption of nuclear weapons testing," said Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah. "Utahns have paid dearly for government deception about the safety of nuclear weapons testing."

Matheson said the fight over the resumption of nuclear weapons testing is not over, but he is relishing what he calls a great victory for Utahns living downwind.

Vanessa Pierce, program coordinator for Healthy Environmental Alliance of Utah, was on Capitol Hill lobbying against the weapons funding, and she said she was pleasantly surprised that the nuclear weapons funding was eliminated from the budget.

"We just did not dream they would agree to eliminate the nuclear weapons program," Pierce said. "It's definitely a victory for all Utahns and all the members of Congress who saw those programs as ill-conceived and a waste of taxpayer money."

"It's imperative that we prevent a second generation of downwinders," she added.

The bill in its final form shifts $9 million from advanced concepts research on new weapons designs to the Reliable Replacement Warhead program. That funding will be used to improve the reliability and longevity of existing nuclear weapons and their components.

Altogether, the legislation provides $6.5 billion for weapons activities.

Funding also was increased for methamphetamine interdiction in rural Utah. Another $750,000 was added to the program to help Box Elder, Rich, Wasatch, Tooele and Juab counties purchase video monitors, mobile cameras and other surveillance equipment used to locate clandestine labs.

"Continued support for law enforcement efforts is essential to combat these dangers and widespread problems," Bennett said.

The funding boosts the total for Utah counties to $4.8 million. Utah is one of the top five states for per capita methamphetamine production.

The appropriations bill also includes $400,000 to help Utah's rural teachers who teach three or more subject areas to obtain additional training for certification purposes by utilizing distance education.

"As Utah educators attempt to meet new demands of No Child Left Behind, they're often called on to do things without adequate compensation," said Bennett. "I'm hopeful these funds will help offset some of the unrealistic burdens of this new law."

The Association of Utah Community Health, a private non-profit program, will see an $800,000 appropriation to provide medical services to low income and uninsured populations.