Congressman Salazar: Pinon Canyon Protected in House/Senate Conference Report

Rep. Salazar’s Pinon Canyon Amendment protects Southern Colorado Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a joint House and Senate conference committee included Rep. Salazar’s Pinon Canyon Amendment in the final agreement.  The conference report is expected to be on the floor in the next two weeks, where it is expected to pass and be sent to President Bush for signature. 

“I am proud that Congress chose to stand up for private property rights and show they care so deeply for the farmers and ranchers of Colorado,” Rep. Salazar said.
 
In June, Rep. Salazar, the only veteran among the Colorado Congressional delegation, successfully added language to the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill, prohibiting the use of funds in that legislation from being used to expand the maneuver site.  The amendment overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House on a vote of 383-34. 

Opened in 1985, the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) is located 150 miles southeast of Fort Carson, Colorado and is used as a training area for the U.S. Army and National Guard.  Its 235,896 acres, combined with Fort Carson's training areas, comprise maneuver training lands second only to the National Training Center in size.  In 1978 approximately one half of the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site was acquired through the process of condemnation.  If the Army succeeds in this expansion, Fort Carson and Piñon Canyon combined will be larger than the state of Rhode Island.

“Southeastern Colorado is a vital part of Colorado’s agricultural community.  As many as 400,000 head of cattle are raised in this region of the state,” Rep. Salazar said. “After the House and Senate pass the Conference Report, the survival of these communities will lie in the hands of the president.”