Washington – Legislation aimed at helping 83-year-old widow Betty Dick in her long-running fight to stay in her summer home within Rocky Mountain National Park was approved Wednesday by a congressional committee.
The Betty Dick Residence Protection Act, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., was approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and now goes before the full Senate.
Under a revised plan negotiated by Salazar and fellow Colorado Sen. Wayne Allard, Dick would be granted a “life estate” on her homesite within the park, although the property would be reduced to 8 acres from 23. She would continue to pay $300 a year for the land, an amount agreed to by the National Park Service and Dick’s late husband 25 years ago.
The original deal was temporarily extended through this month, and the Park Service had proposed boosting Dick’s rent for the property.
Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, said he will push a similar bill in the House. A different version already passed that body.
