Pueblo Chieftain Editorial - 'Betrayal' 4-19-2009

April 19, 2009 12:18 am

WHILE A key congressional committee awaits information from the Army on its proposal to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, it’s well to review the issue.

When the Department of Defense first bought the current 238,000 acres between Trinidad and La Junta, Army brass promised that businesses in Pueblo, Trinidad and La Junta all would benefit. Supplies and fuel would be purchased from businesses in those communities, and Fort Carson soldiers would patronize businesses as well, or so the story went.

But in reality, hardly any economic benefit has come to the three communities. Colorado Springs has been the big economic winner.

Meanwhile, Fort Carson’s use of Pinon Canyon has been spotty - at best. And the Army hasn’t been forthcoming when asked about use of the site.

See the rest of the editorial at Betrayal