For immediate release: July 14, 2010
Contact: (202) 225-4761
Eric Wortman (Salazar)
Contact: (202) 503-7888
Ben Marter (Markey)
Eric Wortman (Salazar)
Contact: (202) 503-7888
Ben Marter (Markey)
Salazar & Markey: Piñon Canyon funding ban clears critical hurdle for FY2011
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman John Salazar and Congresswoman Betsy Markey announced that the appropriations funding ban for the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in Southern Colorado will be included in the FY2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations.
Early this morning, the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies completed its work on the FY2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act reporting the act out of committee by voice vote preserving the Piñon Canyon funding ban for another year. Congressman Salazar has used his position as the 3rd most senior member of the subcommittee to lead the fight against expansion.
“I came to Congress to defend agriculture and fight for residents of the 3rd Congressional District,” said Salazar. “I will always defend the interests of landowners in Southern Colorado who have been living under the cloud of expansion for far too long. As a 5th generation farmer and rancher, I understand their deep connection to the land and will do everything in my power to protect their rights.”
Early this morning, the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies completed its work on the FY2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act reporting the act out of committee by voice vote preserving the Piñon Canyon funding ban for another year. Congressman Salazar has used his position as the 3rd most senior member of the subcommittee to lead the fight against expansion.
“I came to Congress to defend agriculture and fight for residents of the 3rd Congressional District,” said Salazar. “I will always defend the interests of landowners in Southern Colorado who have been living under the cloud of expansion for far too long. As a 5th generation farmer and rancher, I understand their deep connection to the land and will do everything in my power to protect their rights.”
“This is an encouraging win in our larger battle for private property rights in Southeast Colorado,” said Markey. “Preserving the funding ban for this expansion sends a message loud and clear that our rights will not be trampled on, and I will fight ever day for Colorado’s farmers, ranchers and landowners against the threat of this expansion.”
The Piñon Canyon funding ban will now move to the full Appropriations Committee and then to the House floor for a vote.
###