Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund Receives $6 Million Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024By: Arizona Heritage Alliance 
Arizona Heritage Alliance The funds have been designated with the following percentages: Russ Jones, Chair of the Arizona Heritage Alliance, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are thrilled to see the continued support for the State Parks Heritage Fund. These funds will have a tremendous impact on the preservation and enhancement of our state's natural and cultural treasures, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and appreciate Arizona's unique heritage." The Alliance extends its thanks to Governor Katie Hobbs for her commitment to Arizona's heritage and for including the State Parks Heritage Fund in her executive budget. The Alliance also acknowledges State Representative Michael Carbone (LD25) and State Senator T.J. Shope (LD16) for their sponsorship of bills that advocated for the funding of the State Parks Heritage Fund. Governor Hobbs stated, "I wholeheartedly supported the inclusion of the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund in my executive budget, and I am proud to have signed the state budget that included a $6 million appropriation for this crucial program. The State Parks Heritage Fund plays a vital role in preserving our state's natural treasures and cultural heritage for future generations. It enhances our local, regional, and state parks; preserves historic sites; maintains non-motorized trails; and educates the public with outdoor and environmental programming. By investing in the State Parks Heritage Fund, we are not only safeguarding our natural, cultural, and historic resources, but also bolstering our economy through tourism and job creation. This appropriation demonstrates our commitment to preserving our unique heritage and ensuring that Arizona remains a beautiful and thriving place to live, work, and visit." According to Representative Carbone, "I was proud to sponsor House Bill 2806 along with other lawmakers to allocate $6 million for the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund. The bill received strong bipartisan support and passed with unanimous votes in the House and Senate committees. Many organizations and local governments showed their support, and after budget negotiations, the Legislature agreed to provide the $6 million. The appropriation was approved by both chambers of the Legislature and signed by the Governor in May, with the Senate voting 25-5 and the House voting 47-12." Senator Shope noted, "Our state's executive and legislative branches came together in a bipartisan way to fund the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund to maintain and upgrade the growing number of parks, trails, and historic preservation projects that have been underserved or are newly proposed in every municipality, county, and tribal area in our state. I'm excited to see what projects start coming out of the ground to enhance the communities in which they're located." In addition, the Alliance acknowledges the diligent efforts of Arizona State Parks & Trails, led by Director Bob Broschied, and the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, managed by State Historic Preservation Officer Kathryn Leonard, in overseeing the State Parks Heritage Fund. Their expertise and dedication ensure that the funds are distributed effectively and efficiently to projects that promote the preservation and enhancement of Arizona's heritage. To view a map showcasing the State Parks Heritage Fund's approved projects in the past two fiscal years, click here. For more information about the State Parks Heritage Fund and to apply for grants, click here. End
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