Arizona and Utah Step In to Keep National Parks Open Despite Government Shutdown Threat
Arizona and Utah have taken action to keep their iconic national parks open in the face of a potential government shutdown. The governors of both states, Arizona’s Katie Hobbs and Utah’s Spencer Cox, have decided to invest state funds to ensure that access to the Grand Canyon and Zion Valley is not disrupted. This move is motivated by the significant economic impact these parks have on their respective states, as well as the local communities that depend on tourism revenue.
According to the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association, every dollar invested in the National Park Service generates more than $15 in economic activity. A shutdown could result in nearly 1 million lost visitors to the national parks, which would translate to losses of up to $70 million for the gateway communities. In an effort to mitigate these potential losses, Arizona and Utah have committed to funding the basic operations of the national parks.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has stated that funds from the state’s lottery will be used to keep the Grand Canyon open. While the state funds may not cover all normal operating costs during a shutdown, they will still allow visitors to access the park. Utah paid approximately $7,500 per day to keep Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches open during a previous shutdown in 2018. The nonprofit Zion Forever Project also contributed funds to maintain essential services at Zion National Park.
It should be noted that keeping parks open during a shutdown without sufficient staff and resources can lead to detrimental consequences. Previous shutdowns have resulted in overflowing trash, vandalism, looting, and damage to park infrastructure. However, the economic importance of these parks cannot be denied, and both governors have expressed their expectation of reimbursement from the federal government, similar to back pay for federal employees during a shutdown.
While some argue that funding the national parks should be the responsibility of the federal government, the states’ interest in keeping the parks open is driven by their substantial economic contribution. Ultimately, it is up to Congress to ensure ongoing funding for the national parks and prevent future shutdowns from disrupting these vital economic engines.
The potential shutdown could affect over 400 sites in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Governors in other states, such as South Dakota, Colorado, Washington, and Montana, are also considering the impact on their national parks and tourism industries. It remains to be seen how each state will respond if a shutdown occurs.
In conclusion, Arizona and Utah have taken proactive measures to keep their national parks open in the event of a government shutdown. While this step is motivated by economic concerns, the long-term responsibility of funding the parks lies with the federal government. The potential impact of a shutdown on national parks across the country underscores the need for a sustainable and reliable funding solution to ensure their continued operation and preservation.
