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Local Groups Want Say Into Monument Upgrade

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) - A group that advocates for western Colorado issues says any legislation to designate Colorado National Monument as a national park should meet with local approval before it's introduced.

The Daily Sentinel reports that the lobbying group Club 20 and the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to evaluate reclassifying the monument near Grand Junction. Colorado Sen. Mark Udall is hosting a public meeting Wednesday on the idea. The meeting will be at Mesa State College in Grand Junction.

Congress would have to approve redesignating the monument. Supporters say reclassifying the 32 square miles of red-rock monoliths and canyons would bring more attention to the site and boost tourism.

Area leaders say they want to make sure there won't be stricter regulations that could harm business

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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