Farm, Renzi, Huachuca linked - Land at center of inquiry into congressman

[UpInArms]

Source: Arizona Daily Star Newspaper

A 480-acre retired farm on the San Pedro River, the subject of an investigation that threatens the career of U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi, could also threaten the future of Fort Huachuca, officials say.

There are concerns that the farm — the critical property in two failed land swaps aimed at protecting the San Pedro — could now be put back into agricultural use, jeopardizing efforts to balance water use in the region, which in turn could force cutbacks or even closure of the fort.

One of those land swaps is the basis of an investigation of Renzi, a Northern Arizona Republican.

The second involves a partnership headed by former Gov. Bruce Babbitt, which acquired the land. Since the second swap fell through, the Babbitt group is concerned it may be forced to resume irrigating the land or risk losing its water rights.

Critics say the first failed swap benefited James Sandlin, a friend and former business partner of Renzi's.

Read more: http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/180670

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. Property laws really don't make much sense, most of the time.

Shakespeare would have a field day reading through our property laws to come up with plots for his next play.

[Kali]

2. what a crappy article

WHY did the deals fall through? Ironic that Babbit is stuck with land that needs to be irrigated to maintain water rights or be sold for yet more development. He was through the area as Sec of Interior in December of 1999 threatening the locals about saving the river.

[UpInArms]

3. I agree - it read

like a local newspaper writer thinking that he/she needed to say what was happening locally and affecting the national level needed to be re-written (citing all the national newspapers' reporting)-- but never understanding the situation at all.

pathetic :(

(edited for typo)