Colorado Springs Chamber Weighs In On Pinon Canyon
Source: KKTV.com, by Josh Earl
July 27, 2007
As the debate over the proposed Pinon Canyon expansion rages on, the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce has reached out to Colorado's two U.S Senators.
The chamber is pushing for the completion of an environmental impact study. They’re urging both senators to reject a house amendment to the military construction appropriations bill that would block funding for the environmental impact study on the expansion of Pinon Canyon.
Without that study, the expansion could be in jeopardy. In an open letter to both state senators, the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce states that there is "much at stake" with the future of Pinon Canyon.
“I think we'd lose a great opportunity to really answer some of the questions that would be answered..and need to be answered by the study,” said Brian Binn with the Military Affairs Division of the chamber.
The environmental study would look at social, economic, environmental and cultural factors that could be affected by the expansion.
"The military presence in our state provides an economic benefit to the entire state..not just our region,” Binn said.
The letter goes on to state, "there are long-term negative impacts if a community or state is perceived as unsupportive or unfriendly to the mission of the military."
"Without an expansion of Pinon Canyon I think future stationing of troops and future military missions could be in jeopardy,” Binn said.
Moving forward with the expansion could mean the loss of millions for Southeast Colorado, and those who would be affected most still aren't on board.
“It makes me angry..it would make anybody angry for somebody to come in and take a lifetime of work,” said rancher Don Honey.
“Senators Allard and Salazar and other in our delegation are looking for a win-win situation,” Binn said.
There is no word on when the senate will vote on the appropriations bill, but it could have a big impact on where they go from here.
