The city of Galena will not get a hoped for $2 million federal appropriation this year to study solutions for its abandoned mines.

A task force formed after a July 31st collapse in downtown Galena had asked Kansas Congressman Jim Ryun and Senator Sam Brownback to pursue federal funds for the study.

Ryun representative Jim Allen told the task force yesterday that the city would need to coordinate the request through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. If that happens, the funding request would be submitted next February, which is the next appropriation cycle.

Former Mayor Dale Oglesby told the task force he was still optimistic the problems could be fixed. He said the city could inject a mud made of fly ash, clay and water into the underground voids. The mixture would harden underground and fill the spaces.