U.S. Rep. McSally Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Improve Udall Park

Press Release

U.S. Representative Martha McSally today introduced bipartisan legislation, The Udall Park Land Exchange Completion Act, to help expand and improve Tucson's Udall Park. The bill resolves a long-standing land disagreement between the City of Tucson and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that has impeded Tucson's plans to improve and expand the park.

"Resolving this land conflict is an important local priority," said Rep. McSally. "This legislation is a commonsense solution that can help Tucson expand Udall Park and improve its facilities going forward. I'll continue to work with city leaders and my colleagues in the House and Senate to move this bill forward and bring closure to this long-standing issue."

"Udall Park is enjoyed by families and individuals year-round," said Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. "Named after our beloved Congressman, Mo Udall, Udall Park is an important recreational resource for the Tucson community. Completing this land transfer from the federal government allows us to better plan for expansion and amenities at the park. I want to thank the Arizona Congressional delegation for their bi-partisan leadership of the effort, and particularly the authors of the bill, Representative McSally, Senators Flake and McCain."

"Udall Park is a wonderful resource for our community and is heavily used by young and old alike," said Tucson City Council Member Paul Cunningham. "We want to continue to add improvements and need the clarification this bill provides to move ahead. I am dedicated to making that happen."

Arizona delegation members cosponsoring the bill include Representatives Ann Kirkpatrick, Ruben Gallego, Kyrsten Sinema, Matt Salmon, Trent Franks, Paul Gosar, and David Schweikert. Senators Jeff Flake and John McCain have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Background
On May 16, 1980, the City of Tucson leased over 172 acres from BLM for the creation of what would become Udall Park. On June 26, 1989, the City of Tucson entered into negations to transfer 297 acres of rural land recently purchased for $4 million to BLM for the title of the land currently used for Udall Park. Those negotiations were finalized later that year on October 4, 1989.

The Udall Park Land Exchange Completion Act removes a reversion clause contained in the 1989 agreement, providing full autonomy and ownership for Udall Park to the City of Tucson.

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