Norton opposes condemning additional Pinon Canyon land

Senate candidate Jane Norton said Wednesday that she doesn't want the federal government to condemn land to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The former lieutenant governor is one of seven Republicans running for their party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Michael Bennet. Norton said she would allow ranchers who want to sell their land to the U.S. Army to do so. But, "I wouldn't support condemnation," she said. "I don't think that's the right way to go." Ranchers near the Army training site in Las Animas County have waged a long political war to stop any expansion. Norton didn't say she would oppose an expansion. Expansion should be allowed only if economic benefits from the site are shared with the Southern Colorado region. The Pinon Canyon site was pitched to area leaders in the 1980s as having a great economic impact from spending by soldiers. That hasn't really happened, Norton acknowledged. "The broken promises from the Army have certainly added to the distrust," she said...read more