Risa
First Congressional District of New Mexico
GO

Home

About Heather

District Profile

Constituent Services

News Center

Issues

E-News

Student Corner

Contact Heather

White Line Space
Default Image
Bottom Shadow
Left Space Hot Topics Left Space
Hot Topics Lines Welcome Home Hot Topics Lines

Hot Topics Lines Economic Stimulus Hot Topics Lines

Hot Topics Lines Social Security Debit Cards Hot Topics Lines

 

Left Space
Contact
Left Space


ask.heather@mail.house.gov

In Washington DC
442 Cannon House
Office Building
Washington, DC
20515
202-225-6316 Phone
202-225-4975 Fax
In Albuquerque
20 First Plaza NW
Suite 603
Albuquerque, NM
87102
505-346-6781 Phone
505-346-6723 Fax

White Line Space
Memorial Day 2006
White Line Space
E-news Submit Button
Printer Friendly
White Line Space

Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico


Releases
space
Kirtland Extends Public Comment Period on Otero Canyon Fencing Issue June 06, 2003
 
Heather Wilson Requested Expanded Public Comment Opportunities


Washington, DC – Kirtland Air Force Base officials decided today to extend the public comment period on issues surrounding a new fence in Otero Canyon. The decision, extending the deadline by a month to July 16, comes the day after Congresswoman Heather Wilson wrote the base commander asking for an extension. Until Wilson’s involvement, the deadline was June 16 and many constituents reported trouble sharing their views with base officials. Base officials also told Wilson’s staff today that a public hearing may be scheduled in late June. The Base Public Affairs office expects to release details early next week.

Wilson weighed in yesterday on the issue and asked Kirtland Air Force Base officials to find a way to improve security while allowing people continued access to trails in the area.

“I understand the fencing project is a security measure for Kirtland Air Force Base,” says Wilson. “But I also believe there is a call for a balanced approach based upon the unique aspects of Otero Canyon and Kirtland Air Force Base. Many people in the area feel strongly about this, and I’m glad they’ll have an opportunity to make themselves heard.”

Base officials have proposed building a fence along Kirtland’s eastern boundary in the Manzanita Mountains. The area, known as Otero Canyon, is heavily used by nature enthusiasts who hike and bike in the area. The Canyon has also been featured in outdoor magazines that have touted its trails as some of the best in the nation.

Wilson expressed her concern that the public comment process has not allowed for sufficient input from constituents opposed to the fencing plan. Wilson asked base officials to refine their public comment mechanism by extending the comment period and including a public hearing to assure that people can be heard.

“By working together, I believe we can find a way to improve security at the base and allow people to continue to have access to Otero Canyon,” says Wilson.

Wilson serves on the House Armed Services Committee where she has consistently worked to keep Kirtland Air Force Base strong before the next Base Realignment and Closure Commission starts its work. She has also worked to preserve New Mexico’s natural beauty, most notably through the federal purchase of the Baca Ranch in northern New Mexico and the Tres Pistolas nature area in the East Mountains.



—END—
space



Privacy Statement
| Toolbox | Hablas Español?