U.S. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS WELCOMES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION CREATING SANTA CRUZ VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Arizona lawmaker says designation would boost tourism and economic growth

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today welcomed the passage of legislation creating a National Heritage Area in Southern Arizona’s Santa Cruz Valley.

“The Santa Cruz Valley is a national treasure,” said Giffords. “Arizonans have long appreciated its tremendous historic, cultural and environmental significance. Now every American has a standing invitation to enjoy it as we have.”

The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act passed the House today in a 281 to 142 vote. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Passage of the legislation was welcomed by Carol Cullen, executive director of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce.

“Establishment of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area is a win-win,” said Cullen. “It’s a win for businesses in a part of Southern Arizona that has been hard hit by recession and it’s a win for the environment that makes our valley so special.”

The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act was introduced on Jan. 8, 2009 by U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva. Giffords is a co-sponsor.

National heritage areas differ from national parks because they do not impose federal zoning rules or regulations on land use. The designation does not affect private property rights or prevent the renovation or removal of existing buildings on private property.

The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area will encompass approximately 3,325 square miles. Within its boundaries are cactus-covered slopes, open grasslands, rugged canyons, forested mountain ranges and rare desert streams. It also is home to Spanish missions, fortresses, ghost towns and old mines. Traces of human habitation in the valley stretch back more than 12,000 years.

In many communities with National Heritage Areas, the designation has stimulated local economic growth through increased tourism activities.

“This vote by the House of Representatives helps make sure that preservation and conservation efforts in the Santa Cruz Valley will be based on voluntary decision-making at the local level,” said Giffords. “My hope is that the Senate will follow the House’s lead and vote on this legislation as soon as possible.”

Establishment of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area is supported by a diverse collection of organizations and governments. They include the Arizona Office of Tourism, Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Patagonia Area Business Association and Santa Cruz Tourism Council.

Prior to final passage of the bill, Giffords was part of a bipartisan majority to vote for an amendment that strengthens its border security provisions. The amendment requires the Department of Homeland Security to review the Heritage Area’s management plan and makes clear “that nothing in the bill would modify, restrict, impede, or supplant any border enforcement, including drug interdiction or immigration control.”