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In 1997 and again in 2004, at the ballot box, the voters of Pima County resoundingly voiced their support of County Bonds for historic preservation.  Many members of the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society actively supported the historic preservation bond program. Now that the 1997 bond projects are complete, and the 2004 bond projects are close to completion it is only fitting that we provide the results of the County historic preservation bond projects to the Society.

The total bond program was a little over $29 million. Using these funds we leveraged an additional $4.8 million in grants that brought the total available funding to about $33.8 million. The bond projects fall into three major categories; the rehabilitation and adaptive use of historic structures, the purchase of major archaeological sites for conservation, and the development of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Rehabilitation of historic structures includes such diverse properties as Agua Caliente Ranch, Ajo Curley School and Depot, Binghampton, Canoa Ranch, Colossal Cave Visitor Center, Dunbar School, Empirita Ranch, Performing Arts Center, Robles Ranch, San Pedro Chapel, and Steam Pump Ranch. Archaeological site acquisitions include, Coyote Mountains, Dakota Wash, Fort Lowell, Honey Bee Village, Los Morteros, Pantano Townsite, Mission Gardens, Tumamoc Hill, and Valencia Site. A master plan is now in place for the Anza Trail, trailheads and portions of the trail have been constructed, and a local auto route has been marked with signage.