SALT LAKE CITY — Governor Spencer Cox's office told FOX 13 News Utah's national parks will remain open during a federal government shutdown, despite the U.S. Department of Interior announcing national parks across the country would close.
The governor and legislative leadership have supported dipping into state funds to pay for keeping the parks open, in an effort to protect the economies of rural communities centered around them. The Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity has already earmarked $5 million for it. The governor's office also told FOX 13 News on Friday that it was in conversations about specific arrangements to keep Utah's "Mighty 5" parks open, but later clarified no formal agreement had been struck yet.
In a statement on Friday, the U.S. Department of Interior announced national parks nationwide would close. However, the agency said "parks may enter into non-reimbursable arrangements with state, local or Tribal governments, cooperating associations, and/or other third parties for donations to fund the full operation of an individual park site or of specified services that clearly benefit the park and public by providing enhanced visitor health, protection and safety."
That's how Utah's Office of Tourism said it would ensure the parks remain open. The state will pass funding on to foundations affiliated with national parks.
"The foundations will not operate the parks, but will transfer state funds to the parks to underwrite basic operations. Essential services that will be covered include visitor centers, permitting, trash pickup and bathroom cleanup. Discussions are also underway with the Department of Interior to ensure plans are in place for shuttle operations in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks," the office said.
The National Park Service cannot reimburse third parties that provide donations for such services, the Interior Department said. But Governor Cox has insisted the state be repaid when the shutdown is over — a mechanism Congress would have to provide.
The word of a potential agreement is a sigh of relief for many Utah communities surrounding national parks that depend on tourism dollars. The Utah Office of Tourism also said it had been informed by federal officials that parks would remain open on Sunday, but then other closures would begin Monday.
Along with the national parks, the following areas in Utah will also be funded:
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Bear River Bird Refuge
- Hovenweep National Monument
