A Colorado grandmother living in Rocky Mountain National Park is several steps closer to be allowed to stay in her home for good.

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday approved a deal that would provide the 83-year-old widow with a lifetime lease on her family's cabin inside Rocky Mountain National Park.

The National Park Service wanted to evict Betty Dick when her lease expired on July 16, but after the intervention of two U.S. senators and a congressman, a compromise was reached.

The bill approved Wednesday essentially extends Dick's lease, allowing her to rent the cabin, which she uses as a summer home, and eight surrounding acres for $300 a year for the rest of her life.

"I am pleased that Betty Dick, an 83-year-old grandmother will be able to continue to live in her family home for the remainder of her days," said Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., said in a statement. "A home is not just a building, it is (a) place with memories of family, friends and loved ones Mrs. Dick will be able to keep those memories alive with this legislation."

Under her previous lease, Dick got the cabin and 23 acres for $300 a year.

The bill now goes to the House, which earlier passed a similar bill sponsored by Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo.

Following a divorce and legal battle with an ex-wife, Dick's late husband, Fred, negotiated what Betty Dick said was supposed to be a lifetime lease. The final contract said 25 years and Betty Dick said her husband gave up his fight, believing the deal would outlast them. Fred Dick died in 1992.

Betty Dick also has a home in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., endorsed the latest version of the bill.

More Information:

Tell your colorado senators how you feel about the issue, contact Sen. Wayne allard or Sen. Ken Salazar.