Tipton Statement on Chimney Rock Announcement

Press Release

Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03) issued this statement following the White House announcement that the President would issue a proclamation on Friday to designate Chimney Rock as a national monument. The U.S. House of Representatives passed Tipton's bill to elevate Chimney Rock to a national monument with strong bipartisan support in May of this year, but the legislation stalled in the Senate. Sen. Michael Bennet introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

"A national monument designation will give Chimney Rock the prestige and protection it deserves, and will increase exposure to the region which could generate tourism opportunities and new jobs for the local community. I'm a strong believer that this and all public lands designations be locally driven, and as such the preferred method to advance this designation would be through legislation developed with extensive community input, such as my bill. I'm ultimately pleased to see a Chimney Rock National Monument becoming a reality."--Rep. Scott Tipton

Background on H.R. 2621, the Chimney Rock National Monument Establishment Act: The national monument designation requires no additional federal funds under this legislation, and therefore no increase in spending. The legislation would ensure that local ranchers would be able to utilize the lands they depend on for grazing, outdoorsman would be able to take advantage of the game opportunities in the area, and members of the Indian tribes would be able to continue to use Chimney Rock for traditional ceremonies. The bill would allow for continued archeological research and exploration of the area.

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