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Grand Canyon To Remain Open — Even If The U.S. Government Shuts Down

By Stina Sieg
Published: Friday, January 19, 2018 - 5:53pm
Updated: Monday, January 22, 2018 - 11:19am
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Even if the U.S. government shuts down tonight, Grand Canyon National Park will not. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said the park will remain in operation.

The state’s top tourist attraction “will not close on our watch, period,” Ducey said.

Ducey spokesman Patrick Ptak said the state's parks and tourism agencies plan to provide up to $100,000 to ensure lodging, campgrounds and restaurants remain open — and more funding if needed.

“We want anybody who has travel plans to come and see the Grand Canyon or other parks to know, don’t change your plans,” he said. “Arizona is open for business, regardless of what happens in Congress.”

During the last government shut down in 2013, Arizona paid about $100,000 a day to cover the cost of keeping the Grand Canyon open. The state was eventually reimbursed by the federal government.