Department of Justice Seal Department of Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2001
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
CIV
(202) 514-2007
TDD (202) 514-1888

U.S. JUSTICE OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS RADIATION COMPENSATION PROGRAM
AT GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO MEETING


WASHINGTON, D.C. - Justice Department officials will participate Thursday in a local uranium workers meeting in Grand Junction, Colorado, to answer questions about the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program. The session, hosted by the Colorado Uranium Workers Council, will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2001 from 6-8 p.m. at the Grand Junction City Hall Building, located at 250 N. Fifth Street.

The RECA Program, administered by the Justice Department since 1992, provides payments to eligible individuals injured during the Cold War as a result of their participation in the uranium mining industry and from nuclear weapons testing. Since that time, the Justice Department has approved 5,123 claims worth more than $ 359 million.

Congress amended the Act in July of 2000, expanding its scope and increasing the number of people who would be eligible to receive compensation. As a result, the number of claims received by the Department over the past year has increased dramatically, with more than 4,000 new claims being filed since October, 2000.

During the past fiscal year, which ended on September 30th, the RECA Program obligated $111 million to pay approved claims. This amount included almost $5 million to uranium millers and ore transporters, two new claimant categories added under the amended law. The Justice Department is continuing to adjudicate claims as expeditiously as possible, and is working closely with Congress to ensure that deserving individuals are receiving compensation under this important program.

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