Thursday, the Army agreed not to press ahead with its controversial expansion of a 368-square-mile training site in southeast Colorado until it discusses possible "win-win" solutions with nearby residents and political leaders.

In a letter to Colorado Senators Wayne Allard and Ken Salazar, Army Secretary Pete Geren said the military will "Go back to the drawing board" on its approach to acquiring the land. (To see the letter, Click Here)

Geren also said the Army will consider economic enhancements for local communities affected by the expansion.

The military says it needs more space to accommodate growth at Fort Carson and changing training needs, but some ranchers fear they will be forced to sell, and that the economy will suffer if so much land is taken out of production.

Residents also question the need for the expansion.

Fort Carson spokeswoman Dee McNutt said the Army will go through several steps before taking any action and wants to listen to any good ideas.