The state of Arizona has reached an agreement with the U. S. Department of Interior to re open Grand Canyon National Park using state and local funds amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, Gov. Jan Brewer announced.
Brewer has made re-opening the national park a core focus ever since the threat of the shutdown appeared on the horizon weeks ago, the governor’s office said in a release.
“I’m gratified the Obama administration agreed to reverse its policy and allow Arizona to reopen Grand Canyon, Arizona’s most treasured landmark and a crucial driver of revenue to the state,” Brewer said in a release. “With a long weekend in front of us, I am thrilled Grand Canyon will be open and fully operational – not only for our national and global travelers who have long-awaited to experience one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, but for the nearby businesses and communities whose livelihood depends on the tourism it attracts.
“While this deal will buy us some time and bring back lost revenue to the state, I would hope our elected officials in Washington move urgently to negotiate an immediate end to this government standstill,” Brewer said. “Arizona is doing what it can to keep the Grand Canyon up and running, but we cannot pay the federal government’s tab for long. That said, I am proud to announce Grand Canyon will be open for business for the Columbus Day weekend.”
Under the agreement, Arizona pay the National Park Service $93,000 per day to re-open Grand Canyon and fully fund park operations for up to at least seven days using state and other money. That amounts to $651,000 total for seven days, and the state said it will continue to explore options if the shutdown drags on past those seven days.
“Over the past 10 days, the Grand Canyon has been effectively held hostage,” U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said in a statement amid negotiations between the federal government and the state of Arizona. “…Washington may have time to play this partisan game of chicken, but the people of Arizona do not.”
The State of Arizona is also asking its congressional delegation to seek reimbursement from the federal government of all state dollars used to reopen the park.
“I must especially acknowledge Tusayan Mayor Greg Bryan, who has pledged private and town dollars to see this park reopened. I also thank the Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona Department of Administration, the Arizona State Treasurer and private businesses for their leadership and contributions to this important effort,” Brewer said.