June 13, 2007 12:59 AM UTC

CD5 Citizens lose clout...Lamborn missing from Pinon Canyon letter.

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• by: snow

Why was Doug Lamborn not included as a signer on the letter requesting a review of the Army’s plans for Pinon Canyon?  Three other members of the House Armed Services Committee signed the letter.  Could it be that Doug Lamborn is not actually “on leave” from the Armed Services Committee and that he once again was overlooked along with the citizens of CD5?

Udall requests review of Piñon plans
Letter asks GAO to investigate Army’s land needs
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
June 12, 2007 – 8:31AM

DENVER – U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., on Monday asked congressional investigators to review the Army’s plans to nearly triple the size of its Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado, saying landowners in the area deserve a better explanation for the reasons for the expansion.

“Before the Army moves ahead much further, we need an objective review of the study the Army used to justify its proposal,” Udall, who is expected to be the party’s 2008 U.S. Senate nominee, said in a written release.

“Whether the Army needs to expand in this area is too important a question to leave to the Army alone,” said Udall, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

The Army wants to nearly triple the size of the site, from 368 square miles to more than 1,000 square miles. Commanders have said the expansion is needed to accommodate planned growth at Fort Carson and new training needs.

Opponents, including some ranchers, worry the Army will use eminent domain to force l
landowners to sell, though the military has said it will try to buy the land it wants from willing sellers.

Opponents also say that removing that much land from agricultural use, even by voluntary sales, would hurt the region’s economy.

Udall wrote the Government Accountability Office, the nonpartisan investigative arm of Congress, requesting a review. The letter was also signed by Reps. Solomon Ortiz, D-Texas, and Jo Ann Davis, R-Va., also members the House Armed Services Committee.

The letter asks the GAO to study the amount of land the Army says it needs to determine whether it best addresses the training needs, and to review what alternatives have been or should be reviewed.

“We believe it is important to ensure that any expansion of the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site be in the public interest,” the letter said. “That means looking at our real national security and readiness needs, but also respecting and protecting the interests of Colorado’s citizens.”