Kirkpatrick Re-introduces Bill to Expand Casa Grande Ruins, Boost Pinal Economy

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., has re-introduced bipartisan legislation to expand the boundaries of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge. Her bill's cosponsors are Arizona Reps. Paul Gosar, Raul Grijalva and Ruben Gallego.

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument protects one of the finest architectural examples of 13th century Hohokam culture in the American Southwest -- it was known to early Spanish explorers as the "Great House." In 1892, it was proclaimed as our nation's first archeological preserve and called the Casa Grande Ruin Reservation. In 1918, it was designated as the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

Kirkpatrick's legislation, HR 1077, would expand the boundaries around the Great House and its Hohokam village -- adding potentially 10 acres or more to the National Monument. The expansion would protect the archaeology and enhance the visitor experience, strengthening the monument's position as a destination and a national treasure. The ruins currently attract about 70,000 visitors to Coolidge every year.

Kirkpatrick, Gosar and Grijalva, along with now-retired Rep. Ed Pastor, made a similar push in the 113th Congress with the support of Coolidge Mayor Tom Shope and Casa Grande Mayor Bob Jackson.

Kirkpatrick said, "Elected officials, community leaders and residents across Pinal County agree that these ruins must be protected for their historic significance as well as their economic impact. This bill should help the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument remain a thriving destination for visitors to our great state."

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