Apr 8, 2007 11:24 pm US/Mountain
Opposition Grows Against Pinon Canyon Expansion
by Terry Jessup
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Opposition to the planned expansion of a military training site in southeastern Colorado is growing. The Pinon Canyon maneuver site would be used for tank training and consume nearly a half-million acres.
Kennie Gyurman is a rancher who lost about a third of his land 25 years ago when the federal government first used eminent domain to take it for use by the military.
"It uprooted families then, it's going to uproot families now," Gyurman said.
If the U.S. Army expands the existing Pinon Canyon maneuver site, it will more than double in size to 418,000 acres.
"This area is incredibly rich with history and with heritage," Rebecca Goodwin, a sixth generation Coloradan said. "Not just for all of us, but for this country and this is just unbelievable; we cannot lose this."
Most lawmakers say the state has no legal authority to stop the federal government from condemning property so that it can be used by the military. Lawmakers who favor the expansion say, by even trying to stop it, Colorado is sending the Department of Defense an anti-military message.
But the bill's sponsor, Rep. Wes McKinley from Walsh, said that's just not the case.
"We just want it to be proven that this is needed, and they can't do that," McKinley said.
McKinley said by opposing the so-called land grab, lawmakers can at least let the Army know they feel the training site expansion is unconstitutional.
Most likely they won't be able to stop it, but Kennie Gyurman said whatever you say about those who want to hold onto their land, don't say they're unpatriotic.
"I believe in a strong military," Gyurman said. "I think it can be done elsewhere for less money."
The bill opposing the expansion has already passed the House. It goes to a Senate committee Monday.
The landowners say the Pinon Canyon expansion would displace a minimum of 80 families.
The bill's opponents say if the expansion is not approved, it could jeopardize the future of Fort Carson and the money it brings in military spending.
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