ICYMI: Ciscomani’s Chiricahua National Park Act One Signature Away From Law
'This is an Arizona priority and a true team effort. I’m grateful to our local partners, including the City of Willcox, public lands advocates, and everyone who has worked alongside us to make this happen.'
Tucson, AZ - Following the U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of the bipartisan H.R. 6380Chiricahua National Park Act, local and statewide media highlighted Representative Juan Ciscomani’s years-long effort to designate Chiricahua National Monument as Arizona’s fourth national park.
The legislation, which Ciscomani first introduced as the second bill of his congressional career within his first 100 days in office, passed the House in March and cleared the Senate on September 30. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
"It’s been a long hike, but we’re at the summit. After years of work and persistence, Arizona is one signature away from having its fourth national park," said Representative Ciscomani. "Chiricahua has long deserved this designation. As the second bill I ever introduced and in my first 100 days in Congress, I am proud to have worked across the aisle and across both chambers to deliver this victory for our district. This is an Arizona priority and a true team effort. I’m grateful to our local partners, including the City of Willcox, public lands advocates, and everyone who has worked alongside us to make this happen. I’m incredibly proud that we are now one signature away from making Chiricahua Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District’s second national park during our nation’s 250th birthday.”
Local media across Arizona is applauding Ciscomani’s instrumental leadership in getting this bill across the finish line after a decades long fight.
AZPM highlighted Ciscomani’s continued work to advance the designation, noting that he introduced the legislation twice since taking office and emphasizing the bipartisan effort behind the bill. Ciscomani told AZPM that he expects the bill to be signed into law within the coming days and emphasized the economic opportunities the designation could bring to southeastern Arizona.
AZ Family reported that Chiricahua could soon become America’s 64th national park and highlighted Ciscomani’s role in advancing the legislation through Congress. The outlet also noted the potential for increased tourism, regional economic development, and greater visibility for rural communities in Cochise County.
Gila Valley Central highlighted the legislation’s passage through both chambers and its potential to attract additional visitors to northern Cochise County. The outlet reported Ciscomani’s efforts to work with local leaders, including Willcox Mayor Greg Hancock, on plans to capitalize on increased tourism once Chiricahua receives its national park designation.
The Gila Herald also highlighted Ciscomani’s legislation reaching its final legislative hurdle, noting that the bill would elevate the profile of the 12,000-acre Chiricahua landscape and support tourism and economic opportunities throughout southeastern Arizona. The coverage comes as Chiricahua stands just one presidential signature away from becoming Arizona’s fourth national park, joining the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Parks. If signed into law, Chiricahua would become the nation’s 64th national park and the second national park located in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District.
After more than a decade of advocacy and years of congressional work, the Chiricahua National Park Act is now one step away from becoming law and bringing a new national designation to southeastern Arizona.
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