Officials at Fort Benning say a plan to expand training land at the post by 82,800 acres has been put on hold.

Post officials issued a statement Thursday saying issues have arisen that make it necessary to delay a decision. The considerations include a shrinking federal budget and community concerns.

A draft report released in May named Stewart County as the preferred area for expansion. Also under consideration were Marion, Webster, Harris and Talbot counties in Georgia and Russell County, Alabama.

The statement issued Thursday says when a decision is made, the post may acquire fewer acres or add nothing at all. It says officials are considering future budgets and the military's needs in reaching a decision.

Tags: Georgia, economy, Fort Benning, west Georgia, land expansion, military fort, federal budget