The government shutdown isn’t stopping Arizona from keeping its most famous landmark open. The Grand Canyon National Park will remain open for business as usual- except for one little hitch.
Backpacker Magazine reports that visitors to the park won’t need to pay to enter since federal employees who collect the fee will be furloughed. Guests however can expect access to public restrooms, shuttle buses, trash collection, as well as snow removal, and public safety functions will continue as normal.
Governor Doug Ducey is proud of his state. “Arizona knows how to work together,” he said in a statement. “We have a plan in place and we’re ready to go. If you have plans to visit the Grand Canyon over the weekend, keep ‘em. The Grand Canyon will remain open.”
Last year, Ducey signed the Grand Canyon Protection Plan executive order which aims to keep the legendary park open during a government shutdown. Park visitors contributed almost $650 million to the local economy in 2016; the Grand Canyon is the second most visited park in the National Parks system.
As of Christmas Eve, the State of Utah has announced plans to keep open the Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks.
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