Posted on 08/29/2003 7:54:23 PM PDT by SandRat
Our Reader’s Views
Group believes in rider, community’s efforts
To the Editor: The front-page Sierra Vista Herald article of Aug. 26 and the evening news coverage of the alleged impact of the proposed Renzi Amendment deserve some additional comments from the perspective of the Fort Huachuca 50.
First and foremost, The Fort Huachuca 50 believes passage of the rider is absolutely essential to the survival of Fort Huachuca. Indeed, it will obviate Fort Huachuca and potentially other Department of Defense installations from responsibility fro mitigating off-post pumping of ground water. That aspect of the rider incorporates pure common sense. How can a military commander be, in any way, properly empowered to impose mitigation directives on a civilian populace?
The news coverage also fails to point out that Fort Huachuca will remain bound by current Biological Opinion provisions that direct mitigation over 5,000 acre-feet of water over the next eight years. That standard, coupled with plans committed to by the City of Sierra Vista and Cochise County, map out long term strategies to conserve and mitigate even more. The Fort Huachuca 50, as an advocate for the protection of Fort Huachuca, is committed to supporting the currently defined efforts by local governments. We believe they must adhere to their plans and supplement them over time to generate even more of a cushion to protect the long-term viability of our community, which obviously includes Fort Huachuca and the San Pedro River. We are extremely proud of the progress made by the Upper San Pedro Partnership in mapping out strategies and fostering cooperation among various interests groups in seeking solutions that will serve to continue and enhance the manner in which the future of water in the Upper San Pedro Basin will be protected.
The Fort Huachuca 50 also believes that the Renzi Amendment has another important implication. It will, for some period of time, short circuit the pattern of endless litigation that targets Fort Huachuca, in spite of its exemplary track record of resource and environmental management. Those opposing the rider are well aware of this. Taking the Army and Fort Huachuca out of the bulls-eye of their lawsuit target serves two purposes: It will save our soldiers and their commanders untold hours and money. It will also level the playing field as we prepare to defend Fort Huachuca from Base Realignment and Closure attacks between now and 2005.
Tom Finnegan President, Huachuca 50
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