“I fully support the Army’s decision to study and evaluate potential alternatives and the economic and environmental impacts of the proposed acquisition.”

“Through discussions with Major General Mixon, and representatives of the Pentagon and the Army, I believe that it is important to begin preparing the environmental impact statement and other steps leading to the possible expansion of Fort Carson."

"However, any expansion, to the extent possible, should protect the private property rights of landowners, and I would expect the military to find willing sellers wherever possible.

The Army deserves an opportunity to explore, and needs to take the opportunity to explain, how the expansion of Pinon Canyon would be vital to national security interests.

I hope that interested parties will not jump to conclusions until various studies are completed and the results are made public.”