FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kim, Colo. October 30, 2006
This week, three separate public hearings are planned in association with the recent release of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) associated with the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. These hearings are provided to allow opportunities for input regarding any questions, concerns, opposition or support statements but appear to be planned at inopportune times. “The Army is holding these comment periods at a time when it will be least likely to get people involved as the last week of campaigns for public offices are reaching a fevered pitch at the same time,” said Lon Robertson, President of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition (PCEOC).
Another point of contention of the PCEOC is the public comment period related to the DEIS process ending on November 27th, just three days before anticipated reports from the Army are due as required by Senator Allard and Senator Salazar. The senators co-sponsored a recently approved amendment that is attached to the 2007 Defense budget bill requiring the Army to report specific information relative to the PCMS and related expansion efforts considerations and justifications. “Those reports may be critical to the evaluations and considerations that are part of the present DEIS process and the comment period ending prior to that report being released does not allow that to happen,” Robertson said.
Even though the Army appears to have attempted to place road blocks to the submission of public comments PCEOC is strongly encouraging its members, other groups and interested persons to attend all three hearings that are part of the PCMS DEIS process. These hearings, while severely limited will allow for at least some public comment by individuals and parties that have an interest (stake) in the issue. They are scheduled for 5:30 pm on November 1st in Colorado Springs, 5:30 pm on November 2nd in Trinidad and 5:30 pm on November 3rd in La Junta.
For more information on the DEIS Hearings locations, the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site or the Opposition Coalition please visit www.pinoncanyon.com. A toll free number is also now available by calling 1-866-426-7026.
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