Funding for a study into the cause of a rare type of lung cancer that has killed 58 northlanders is moving through the Minnesota State House.

Representative Tom Rukavina says Iron Rangers have been waiting 30 years to find out if taconite does indeed produces asbestos-like fibers that cause mesothelioma.

Funding was passed last week by his House Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy committee.

The bill has another House committee to clear before going to the floor for a vote.