Military and civilians induce joint land use

Published Sept. 23, 2016
By Robb Lingley
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Cooperation between military and local jurisdictions ensure land, air and other shared resources enhance the quality of life for local communities as well as supporting the missions of installations in the El Paso County region.

The Joint Land Use Study is a community-driven operation, sponsored by The Pikes Peak Area Council of Government, which examines how Colorado Springs can plan for a future. It assures the health and safety of Airmen and local residents by encouraging coordinated action amongst those involved.

In October 2015, a two-year grant was awarded to PPACG to conduct one of these studies examining impacts of current and future land uses of Peterson Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Schriever Air Force Base, the Air Force Academy and Fort Carson.
These installations encompass roughly 8 percent of Colorado Springs and have a tremendous impact on the region’s economy and culture.

The study is expected to bring about a strategic plan preserving military readiness and defense capabilities in support of economic community development and land use that is compatible with military operations by fall of 2017.

Military installations are a key economic driver for El Paso County, providing $17.2 billion in jobs for 106,913 civilian and contractors, according to an April 2015 study by the Colorado Department of Military Affairs.

The PPACG, formed in 1967 under Colorado law, is a voluntary organization of municipal and county governments that serve the regional community. PPACG provides a forum for local governments to discuss issues that cross their political boundaries, identify shared opportunities and challenges while working together to provide strategies for action.

By providing a local forum for base installations and local governments to discuss issues related to the community, PPACG works to ensure proper military and civilian relationships into the future.

PPACG has coordinated plans to protect the quality of our air and water since the early 1970s by working with colleagues throughout the region including local governments, non-profit organizations and military installations. They also address noise concerns, transportation issues and solicit volunteers to help with senior adults. These intercommunity relationships establish the concept of localism and the objective of PPACG.

The PPACG meets on the second Wednesday of every month. Committee meetings are open to the public with citizens of the El Paso County region encouraged to attend and comment.