By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Several Arizona lawmakers — Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego — helped get an act passed to designate Chiricahua National Monument as a national park.
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The act had been sent to President Donald Trump’s desk, and it is awaiting his signature.
The Senate voted on the act late Wednesday night.
Willcox Mayor Greg Hancock said Ciscomani led the House legislation, while Kelly introduced the Senate legislation with Gallego.
“This is an incredible day for Willcox, Cochise County, and all of southeastern Arizona,” Hancock said. “We would not have been able to get this accomplished without some amazing partners. Sen. Mark Kelly and Congressman Juan Ciscomani have championed this effort, worked across party lines, and continued pushing it forward. We are extremely grateful for their leadership and commitment to southeastern Arizona.’
The Chiricahua National Monument was established in 1924 and provides 12,000 acres of diverse wildlife, rock formations, and canyons in Cochise County.
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The Chiricahua National Park Act would permanently protect the monument’s landscape and boost tourism in rural southern Arizona.
The bill will also include protections for cultural and religious sites, with consultation with Tribes.
“Protecting Chiricahua means preserving a one-of-a-kind landscape while delivering an important win for southeastern Arizona’s recreation economy,”said Kelly. “This is about keeping this place special and making sure nearby communities and small businesses benefit even more from it.”
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The designation would make Chiricahua Arizona’s fourth national park.
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