Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Sen. Mark Kelly teamed up to introduce a bipartisan bill that would make Chiricahua National Monument a new national park.
Bills to make Chiricahua a national park have been introduced several times in Congress, but without success. But the bill has gained support and passed the Senate last year without any opposition.
Also called “Wonderland of Rocks” Over 12,000 acres of monuments It was founded in Cochise County by the President in 1924. Calvin CoolidgeIt is known for its resulting rock formations. A volcanic eruption 27 million years ago.
If passed, Chiricahua will join the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest and Saguaro as Arizona National Parks.
Will there be a super bloom in 2023?Here are the Best Places to See Arizona Wildflowers
“These unique formations attract visitors from all over the country and the world to our state, and this tourism is an important part of our local economy. It has been long overdue,” Ciscomani, R-Arizona said in a statement.
National parks attract more visitors than national monuments, so changing Chiricahua’s official designation would provide an economic boost to the rural area, from an influx of tourism revenue to job creation.
Grand Canyon Bus:How a ‘cold shock’ of water from Lake Powell could deter invasive fish
“A bipartisan law designating Chiricahua National Monument as a national park would further promote conservation, promote tourism, and create economic opportunities in southern Arizona,” said Kelly of the Arizona Democratic Party. rice field.
The bill is also co-sponsored by I-Ariz Senator Kirsten Cinema.
“Arizona has some of the best national parks in the world. The addition of Chiricahua National Monument as Arizona’s fourth national park will boost tourism, create jobs and promote opportunities in Cochise County.” Cinema said.
Tara Kavalor is a political reporter for the Arizona Republic. She can contact her by email. tara.kavaler@arizonarepublic.com or on twitter @kavalertara.
