WACO -- The Waco Mammoth Site is one step closer to being recognized as a National Monument.

The Conservation and Economic Growth Act was passed in the house on Tuesday and the act includes a measure that would make the Waco Mammoth Site a National Monument.

Paleontologists we spoke to say this is one of the most important sites dating back to the ice age and the national recognition would create more learning and excavation opportunities for scientists worldwide.

"There could be another 100 mammoths here. In addition to the mammoths there could be dozens of other animals, maybe some of them that we don't even know about yet, some of them that haven't been described by science, all waiting to be found at this site. It's a tremendous opportunity scientifically," Program coordinator and Paleontologist, Don Esker said.

Excavations have been on hold since 2001.

But new projects are in the planning stages including an education center and exhibit hall.

The site was discovered in 1978 and so far about 25 mammoths have been uncovered.