Ritter signs Pinon Canyon, school safety bills
Rocky Mountain News
Published May 3, 2007 at midnight
Gov. Bill Ritter signed House Bill 1069 today that withdraws consent given by the state to the federal government to acquire land through eminent domain that would be used for military training.
The bill is meant to block an expansion of the 238,000 training site southwest of La Junta by adding 418,000 acres, and destroying a number of ranches in the area.
"The military is a very important part of Colorado," Ritter said. "It's a tremendous economic engine for our state ... (but) the goal for any expansion of a military base or training site must be a win for the military and a win for the community."
Ritter said his conversations with the Army have all focused on the desire to expand Pinon Canyon without the use of eminent domain.
"We do need to be realistic: this bill alone will not preclude the federal government from condemning private land. But it will ensure that Colorado retains as much control as possible, including concurrent state jurisdiction over any acquired lands. The bill also is an important step in assuring that state and local interests will have a seat at the table for any acquisition talks."
Gov. Ritter also signed three school-safety bills today:
• SB 197 provides greater confidentiality for callers to and records of the Safe2Tell school-safety hotline program.
• SB 227 concerns immunity for teachers and school employees people acting in good faith to prevent a dangerous situation.
• HB 1059 concerns the use of capital construction funds for school construction projects to help prevent intruders from endangering children.
Out of tragedy of Columbine can come good, Ritter said.
"Today, I'm going to sign Senate Bill 197, which will improve the Safe2Tell program by strengthening the anonymity of those who call the hotline and by better protecting the confidentiality of hotline records," the governor said.
The hotline was established three years ago under a $375,000 grant from the Colorado Trust. The Trust has provided a second $375,000 grant to keep the program operating for another three years.
The hotline number is 1-877-542-SAFE.
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