11.19.15

Ranking Member Grijalva Hails Analysis Showing $51 Million in Economic Benefits in Proposed Arizona National Monument Area

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva today highlighted a newly published analysis of the significant economic benefits of a large swathe of public land in Northern Arizona he has proposed to protect as a new national monument. The analysis, conducted by BBC Research & Consulting on behalf of the Center for Western Priorities, shows that the land – to the north and south of Grand Canyon National Park – already generates approximately $51 million in economic activity each year, which would be preserved or potentially expanded with a monument designation.

Grijalva introduced the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument Act on Nov. 3, proposing to protect 1.7 million acres around the Grand Canyon and formally recognize several Native American communities’ deep cultural and historical connection to the area. The new analysis shows that the land the monument would protect already “positively affects the local and regional economy through multiple channels. The proposed monument attracts a substantial number of visitors each year from outside the region, many of whom spend multiple days in the area, contributing to the local economy.”

“We can promote cultural awareness, conserve our beautiful open spaces and improve our economy at the same time, and this report shows just how it can be done,” Grijalva said. “Our national parks saw a record number of visitors last year, and the public’s love of well-protected open spaces is not going away any time soon. Designating this monument will help more Americans enjoy the great outdoors and gain a richer appreciation of centuries of Native American history, and that’s why I feel so strongly about seeing this through to the finish line.”

The Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument Act – drafted by the Associated Tribes of the Grand Canyon and enthusiastically supported by the Havasupai Tribe, the Hualapai Indian Tribe, the Colorado River Indian Tribes, President Begaye and Vice President Nez of the Navajo Nation and representatives of the Hopi Nation – follows on President Obama’s historic 2012 decision to place a 20-year moratorium on new mining claims on 1 million acres of federal land surrounding the park. By making that moratorium permanent and expanding protection to other equally sensitive areas, Grijalva’s bill recognizes the Grand Canyon Region as the sacred, ancestral home of many Southwestern tribes whose deep historic and cultural ties to the land have still not been fully recognized by federal conservation authorities.

The region to be protected includes multiple important tribal sacred sites, ancient trails, burial sites, and myriad cultural resources that deserve recognition and lasting protection. Grijalva’s bill provides tribes with meaningful opportunities to participate in the planning and ongoing management of the national monument.

The Colorado River and its watershed provide water to nearly 30 million people in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego and other communities around the region. Passage of the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument Act will guarantee permanent protection of these highly critical resources.