House OKs Santa Cruz Valley heritage area

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Two weeks after rejecting the measure, the House on Wednesday approved designating the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area.

The measure had broad support from cities, towns and business organizations, including the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association and individual developers from Tucson and Marana to Nogales, including Sahuarita, working together through the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, based in Tucson.

Alliance executive director Vanessa Bechtol said designation would allow the region to take part in the National Park Service’s marketing of the 50-plus heritage areas already designated by Congress and would help local organizations take advantage of the growing trend toward cultural and historical tourism.

The designation would not affect private property rights or hinder the renovation of removal of private buildings.

The measure was spearheaded by U.S. Reps. Gabrielle Giffords and Raul Grijalva, both Tucson Democrats.

“The Santa Cruz Valley is a national treasure,” Giffords said in a press release shortly after the vote. “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 281 to 142. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

It was backed by a majority of representatives in a Sept. 8 vote, 249-235, but failed to get the required two-thirds.

Carol Cullen, executive director of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce, called it a “win-win.”

“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,” she said.

National heritage areas differ from national parks because they do not impose federal zoning rules or regulations on land use.

The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area would encompass about 3,325 square miles. Within its boundaries are cactus-covered slopes, open grasslands, rugged canyons, forested mountain ranges and rare desert streams, according to Giffords’ office. 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.

“My hope is that the Senate will follow the House’s lead and vote on this legislation as soon as possible,” Giffords said.