The Grand Canyon was reopened this weekend, after it was closed for nearly two weeks due to the federal government shutdown.
The state and the National Park Service came to an agreement for the state to fund operations of the park -- for seven days.
See also:
-Arizona May Be Affected by Government Shutdown More Than Most States
-Kyrsten Sinema's FAQ on the Government Shutdown
Come this weekend, the park could be closed again.
Here's the explanation provided by Governor Jan Brewer's office:
Under the agreement negotiated by Governor Brewer, the state will pay the National Park Service $651,000 - $93,000 per-day - to reopen Grand Canyon and fully fund park operations for up to at least seven days using state and other monies. The State of Arizona urges its congressional delegation to secure reimbursement of all state dollars used to reopen Grand Canyon. The state will continue to assess next steps if the federal shutdown has not ended in those seven days.Other states have made similar arrangements, offering to pay for the parks and monuments in those states to be reopened for a matter of days.
So, if you want to make a sure trip to the Grand Canyon, you'd better get there by Saturday.
Send feedback and tips to the author.
Follow Matthew Hendley on Twitter at @MatthewHendley.
