By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Arizona’s Chiricahua National Monument has officially become the nation’s latest national park, after President Donald Trump signed the Chiricahua National Park Act into law on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
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The “Wonderland of Rocks” is located in southeastern Arizona, 36 miles south of Willcox.
The legislation creating Chiricahua National Park was sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani and passed Congress with bipartisan support late last month.
The park is the 64th site in the country to earn national park status, and the first new national park named in six years.
Officials mark designation
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum spoke at a news conference marking the designation.
“Welcome to the National Park System. As a flagship National Park, Chiricahua National Park, congratulations,” Burgum said.
Ciscomani, whose district includes the park, also spoke at the event.
“This is the biggest thing going on in the country today, and we’re right here witnessing it,” Ciscomani said.
Willcox Mayor Greg Hancock said local elected leaders have been pushing for the change for years, adding that it’s a milestone for their small town of 3,500 people.
“It represents investment in rural America, a commitment to preserving one of the nation’s greatest natural treasures, and an opportunity that will benefit generations to come,” Hancock said.
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Visitor numbers and funding
The 102-year-old monument had roughly 70,000 visitors last year. Burgum said he expects that number to increase under the new designation.
“That number is going to go way up, and then we have to back that up with support, staffing, dollars for infrastructure and programming,” Burgum said.
National Parks in Arizona generated $2.4 billion in revenue last year. Burgum said he expects Willcox to see increased tourism and economic investment, matched with funding from the National Park Service.
“Whether it’s water systems, sewer, trail maintenance, the interpretation, visitor centers, all those budgets get bigger when you become a national park,” Burgum said.
The National Park Service has billions of dollars in deferred maintenance projects nationwide. Burgum said the agency is focused on addressing those costs through public and private investments.
Ciscomani said that is also one of his goals once Congress returns from session.
“This is a legacy aspect for this region, and a defining moment for our state and the entire region here, and even our country, as we add our newest national park,” Ciscomani said.
Burgum said the first order of business will be rebranding signage to reflect the park’s new name. After that, officials will focus on installing new water systems and other maintenance projects within the park.
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