Salazar Statement on Pinon Canyon Expansion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Salazar released the following statement today regarding the proposed expansion at Pinon Canyon:

“Although I am an Army veteran and have spent my life serving my country, I am extraordinarily concerned about the Army’s plan to lease land around Pinon Canyon.  I want to make it very clear that I will continue to oppose any expansion at the Pinon Canyon maneuver site, unless Southern Colorado farmers and ranchers can support the plan. 
 
“I have several concerns over the proposed expansion, even if there is a willing seller for the land.

“I believe that condemnation should be taken off the table for this and all future expansions.  Farmers’ and ranchers’ land will never have the value it should if the threat of an ever expanding Pinon Canyon hangs over their heads. I have a very real concern for those who own adjacent land or in-holdings in land the Army may lease.  I will not stand for them to be pressured to sell or have their land condemned. 

“Everywhere we turn the life of the American farmer and rancher is threatened.  I came to Congress to fight for Colorado farmers and ranchers and I plan to do just that. 

“As a land owner myself, I believe firmly in the right to lease and sell ones land.  In this case, any of the land owners around Pinon Canyon have the right to lease or sell their land.  But I do not believe the Army has the right to lease or buy the land that threatens the use and value for landowners who do not wish to sell their land and want to continue putting food on America’s table.”