COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado’s newest senator says he is not close to taking a position on the Army’s plans to expand its training site in southeast Colorado by 100,000 acres.
Michael Bennet, a Democrat, made his first visit to Fort Carson on Saturday. One of the major issues at the base south of Colorado Springs is the planned expansion of its training site known as the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site. The Army wants to expand the 235,300-acre site near La Junta by 100,000 acres.
Area ranchers and residents fear the Army will use eminent domain to acquire the land.
The Army courted Bennet’s support for its plans at Piñon Canyon. Bennet said he also would meet with ranchers near the training area to hear why they oppose the expansion. “I came to listen and learn,” he said. The Associated Press
