Allard Introduces Pinon Canyon Eminent Domain Legislation

Press Release

ALLARD INTRODUCES PINON CANYON EMINENT DOMAIN LEGISLATION

Senior Colorado Lawmaker Proposes to Ban Unwanted Land Seizures as Army Looks to Expand Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in Southern Colorado

U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.), has introduced legislation that would prohibit the Army from acquiring land through eminent domain for the expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site.

"In spite of the Army's continued commitment to acquire the land for expansion only from willing sellers, there is still apprehension among the land owners and this amendment will ease that concern," said Allard. "The Army cannot rescind on their promise and passing this legislation as soon as possible will take the possibility of eminent domain completely off the table."

Last year, as a part of the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Authorization Act, Allard helped include language that required the Army to submit a report to Congress outlining their justification for the expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site.

"I was very pleased with the Army's findings in the report and I am convinced that there is a critical need for additional training space for the new troops set to arrive at Fort Carson in the near future," concluded Allard.

"As we work to provide the necessary training area for our troops, we need to remember that property rights go both ways. A landowner should have the right to either keep or sell their land if they so choose," said Allard. "If there are willing sellers in the area of the proposed expansion, the win-win situation we have all sought can be realized."

Fellow Colorado U.S. Senator Ken Salazar has signed on as a co-sponsor of the eminent domain amendment.

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