Former astronaut Vance Brand wants to donate his family’s 40-acre tract to the eastern boundary of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Not as easy as it sounds.
Brand literally needs an Act of Congress to complete his generous offer, so U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner stepped up to the place and introduced legislation to complete the transfer.
Gardner called Brand a Colorado and American hero, who just wants to honor his home and give back to the country that provided the NASA astronaut opportunities that were literally out of this world.
The land will provide recreational access and connectivity through a scenic buffer between private lands and three popular trails; Estes Cone, Storm Pass, and Eugenia Mine Trails.
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet took time out of his busy presidential campaign to direct a staffer to sign him on as a co-sponsor.
U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse also carved out some time from his hectic Impeach President Trump Now! campaign to sponsor the companion bill in the House.