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About 4.5 million tourists from around the world make the trip every year to the Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, a trek that pours an estimated $1.3 million a day into nearby communities.
The shutdown that began Tuesday after Congress failed to pass a federal budget has happened once before, in 1995. That shutdown led then-Gov. Fife Symington to lead a convoy filled with Arizona National Guard troops and state parks officers to the canyon and demand its superintendent open the gates. The effort failed, but he was able to negotiate a deal where a partial reopening would be paid for by state funds. The federal government later repaid the state. The closure was the first since the park was created in 1919.
“I offered to reopen the Grand Canyon to visitors by using state money, but federal officials declined my offer,” Brewer said in a Facebook post. “I really shouldn’t be surprised that the Obama Administration doesn’t want Arizona’s help.”
Park authorities have issued citations for 21 tourists and visitors who entered Grand Canyon National Park after the government shutdown started. And in response — and in the face of the furlough of other workers — the park has bolstered its security team to monitor the land around the clock.
jhn7537
reply to post by AsarAlubat
Wow... Incredible photos! Man, nature can be so beautiful
six67seven
Cool, new desktop material.
Thanks OP
research100
reply to post by nugget1
beautiful pictures!!!! I rode the mules down into the grand canyon about 35 years ago, I also visited as a child....pics always take me back!!!
nugget1
Gorgeous pictures! It's just a crying shame what obama's 'handlers' are doing to our once great nation! I bet Karma has a very special treat for them .......