Rep. Salazar Supports Udall’s Request for Pinon Canyon Congressional Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) made the following statement after U.S. Rep. Mark Udall (CO-2) requested the House Armed Service Committee to schedule a congressional hearing on the Army’s plan to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver site in southeastern Colorado.

“I commend Congressman Mark Udall in his hearing request and his stance supporting no condemnation of private land.  A congressional hearing would be a good start in giving our local farmers, ranchers, and home owners the chance to defend their way of life. In an area that is already economically starving, this community knows that the Army’s plans for expansion would devastate Las Animas County.

“In April, I sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army Keith Eastin requesting that he give up expansion plans. As an Army veteran whose father and son have served in the military, I’m a patriot and supporter of America’s armed forces-especially the United States Army.  But I can’t support the abuse of eminent domain laws.  They should only be used in extreme circumstances and to better the community as a whole.

“Last week, Governor Bill Ritter signed HB 1069, a new law aimed at stopping the Army from using eminent domain to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. This bill flew through the state legislature by an 88-12 vote.  It is clear that the majority of our state leaders want the Army to stop pursuing the expansion.

“After the actions taken by the state legislature, our governor, and my colleagues in Congress, I am grateful for their work in protecting the citizens of southeastern Colorado.”