Governor Ritter has signed into law a bill aimed at stopping the Army from using eminent domain to expand its troop training ground in southeastern Colorado.

As ranchers, lawmakers and students looked on, Ritter said he wasn't sure whether the state can stop the Army from forcing landowners to sell land to expand the Pinon Canyon maneuver site.

But he said the law is a tool the state can use to help protect ranchers whose families have been living in the area since the turn of the last century.

Supporters admit the issue has never been tested but think the bill is backed by the U.S. Constitution.

They're not waiting to find out though and will now focus on lobbying Congress against funding for the proposed expansion.