National Scenic Area Designation Bill passes
Committee, House next stop
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 22, 2010) - Representative Ann Kirkpatrick today
successfully pushed her legislation to designate the Red Rock lands
around Sedona a National Scenic Area through the House Committee on
Natural Resources. The Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area Act, which
passed with strong support thanks to her efforts, would strengthen the
tourism industry and bring new jobs to the region while conserving the
natural beauty of this Greater Arizona attraction without a significant
investment of federal dollars.
The passage of this bill through committee is the culmination of years
of legislative work, which Rep. Kirkpatrick began before she came to
Congress. H.R. 4823 can now be considered by the full House of
Representatives, moving significantly closer to ensuring the local
economy will be able to benefit from more visitors and that future
generations will be able to experience this unique treasure.
"This is a major step forward for this bill and an exciting day for
Greater Arizona," Rep. Kirkpatrick said after the vote. "The Red Rocks
are a breathtaking and truly unforgettable site for everyone who
experiences Sedona. This legislation will preserve the majesty of these
lands for years to come and create new jobs for folks here without great
expense to the taxpayer. It is the sort of low-cost opportunity we must
take advantage of right now to get people back to work."
The Congresswoman has worked with a broad range of interested
stakeholders to craft language that will best serve all involved. She
received valuable comments and edits to the text of the measure from the
United States Forest Service, Mayor Rob Adams and the Sedona City
Council, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, the Sedona-Red Rock Scenic Area
Coalition, the Sedona-Verde Valley Association of Realtors, small
business owners and concerned citizens. She also pushed hard to make
sure that Sedona's voices were heard in Congress, securing a hearing on
the legislation before the Natural Resources Subcommittee on National
Parks, Forests and Public Lands in June and bringing Mayor Adams to
Washington to testify and discuss what it will mean for the Sedona area.
"This is a win-win for District One," said Rep. Kirkpatrick. "These
features are the heart of Sedona's vital tourism industry. By working to
protect them, we are helping to bolster our economic security during the
downturn and support working families and area businesses who depend on
the tourist dollars visitors generate.
"This bill reflects extensive feedback from the communities it will
affect. The stakeholders' thoughts, suggestions and ideas have helped
put together legislation that will work better for us now and in the
future, and I am proud of the work we have done."
The Congresswoman is continuing to discuss the Sedona-Red Rock National
Scenic Area Act of 2010 with these individuals and organizations as the
legislative process moves forward. Now that H.R. 4823 has passed through
committee, she will be working to keep the momentum going and earn
support for it among Members of the entire House, and she will look to
move it forward as fast as possible.
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