COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Colorado’s newest senator says he’s not close to taking a position on the Army’s plans to expand its training site in southeast Colorado by 100,000 acres.
The Democrat made his first-ever visit to Fort Carson Saturday to talk to Army officials about challenges in Colorado and nationwide.
One of the major issues at the base south of Colorado Springs is the planned expansion of its training site known as the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The Army want to expand the 235,300-acre site near La Junta by 100,000 acres.
Area ranchers and residents oppose the expansion because they fear the Army will use eminent domain to acquire the land. The area is about 140 miles southeast of Denver.
The Army courted Bennet’s support for their plans at Pinon Canyon. His tour included a helicopter flight over the training area as the Army worked to explain why commanders want more space.
Bennet said he would also meet with ranchers near the training area to hear why they oppose the expansion.
“I came to listen and learn,” Bennet said.
His predecessor, former Sen. Ken Salazar, worked to block the Army from seizing the land through condemnation. Salazar, a Democrat, also supported a spending moratorium on the expansion.
Gov. Bill Ritter appointed Bennet to replace Salazar, now Interior secretary.
Army officials and Bennet also discussed suicides in the military. Fort Carson has seen a string of suicides in recent month despite a program launched last year to educate soldiers on how to get help and prevent others from taking their own lives.
“What they’re trying to do is make sure the culture understands that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek help,” Bennet said.
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Information from: The Gazette,
