After nearly destroying the small businesses that service the National Parks, including hotels and restaurants near Arizona’s Grand Canyon, the Obama administration blinked and finally will allow states to use their own money to reopen some national parks that have been closed because of the government shutdown.
Governors in at least four states have requested an opportunity to fund the parks in order to save their small businesses, but the administration had refused the requests. As Obama’s poll numbers drop, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the government will consider allowing states to pay for park operations, but will not surrender control of national parks to the states.
“This is major news for the Grand Canyon National Park and the many other national parks and monuments in my district and across Arizona,” said Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick in a statement Thursday morning. “These destinations bring millions of dollars into our local economy, which has taken a tremendous direct hit during the shutdown. We are glad the administration listened to our strong concerns and will allow for state resources to step in during the federal shutdown. Ultimately, the best way to restart our economies is to reopen the entire government.”
“I have contacted the Governor’s office for clarification regarding what this decision means for national parks, like the Grand Canyon,” said Arizon House Speaker Andy Tobin. “I have asked for information regarding the costs associated with reopening the parks, if all or just a portion of the parks can be reopened and if any legislative action is needed. Additionally, the Senate President and I stand by the joint letter we recently issued with the Governor to President Barack Obama. In it, we offered a state solution to ease the economic burden facing Arizona communities directly impacted by national park closures.”