House panel advances bill for heritage area

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva’s bill to designate the Santa Cruz Valley a National Heritage Area was approved by the House Committee on Natural Resources Wednesday and now awaits consideration by the full House.

By designating the region that stretches roughly from Marana to Nogales as a National Heritage Area, the legislation will help preserve and promote the cultural and natural resources of the Santa Cruz Valley.

“This designation is an opportunity for us to promote the rich, diverse heritage and the inspiring wonders of the Santa Cruz Valley,” said Grijalva, D-Ariz.

“Designation will encourage voluntary conservation for significant natural, cultural and working landscapes while providing economic opportunities for local businesses through increased tourism.

Designation as a National Heritage Area would bring federal funding, as much as $1 million per year to the Santa Cruz Valley.

National Heritage Areas differ from national parks and other types of federal designations because they do not impose federal zoning rules or regulations on land use.

The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area would encompass roughly 3,300 square miles in Southern Arizona.

For more information, visit the Web site www.santacruzheritage.org.

kengle@gvnews.com| 547-9732