A plan introduced by two of Arizona’s congressional representatives that would preserve the Santa Cruz Valley is a step closer to realization.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to create a National Area in the Santa Cruz Valley on October 24.

According to a news release from the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, they have spent four years building a broad base of bipartisan support for approval of this designation.

“We applaud Congresswoman Grijalva and Congresswoman Giffords for supporting legislation that not only celebrates our rich cultural heritage, but also supports heritage-based economic development throughout the Santa Cruz Valley,” Vanessa Bechtol said.

All National Heritage Area projects and programs are conducted on a voluntary basis. The news release indicates that, upon designation, the non-profit Heritage Alliance will be considered the managing entity to provide assistance to region stakeholders to attain preservation goals.

For further information on the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, click here.