Press Release: TheWesternWay.org – August 21, 2021
The Western Way thanks Arizona State Representative Joanne Osborne (District 13) and State Senator Thomas “T.J.” Shope, JR (District 8) for their leadership during the 2021 legislative session to help restore funding to the Arizona Heritage Fund. Thanks to Rep. Osborne, Sen. Shope, their colleagues in the legislature, and Governor Doug Ducey, the fund was restored to received a total of $10 million in 2021.
The Heritage Fund has made a significant impact to not just wildlife conservation efforts in Arizona, but also to the state’s economy, public access, and outdoor recreation. In 1990, the Heritage Fund was created by voters when they passed a ballot initiative by a 2-1 ratio. However, funding was cut in 2010 to deal with impacts of the the Great Recession.
“After 11 years, our state’s executive and legislative branches finally came together to fund the State Parks Heritage Fund to maintain and upgrade the growing number of parks, trails and historic preservation projects that have languished 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.”-Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge
“My family came to Arizona in the late 1800s. Our state’s history can be found in so many places and needs to be preserved for future generations. Arizona is a unique and special place from its glorious lands to incredible places. Let’s keep the West alive and our Arizona way. It was an honor to carry the bill to advocate for funding for the State Parks Heritage Fund.” Rep. Joanne Osborne, R-Goodyear