It looks like the feds can take that giant tarp off of the Grand Canyon. Gov. Jan Brewer, who had proposed using state funds to keep the site open during the government shutdown, is announcing tonight that the Grand Canyon will be open tomorrow. That follows similar announcements by the governors of Utah and South Dakota.
@GovBrewer has reached deal to re-open Grand Canyon NP Saturday. Will re-open the whole park for one week at cost of $651,000 #shutdown
— Mary Jo Pitzl (@maryjpitzl) October 11, 2013
@GovBrewer You are awesome! Friends and family are coming to AZ from out of state next week specifically for the canyon. Thank you!
— Brent (@bjackrose) October 11, 2013
@GrandCanyonNPS opening tomorrow! Good work by @GovBrewer and her team to seal the deal.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) October 11, 2013
A very heartfelt thank you. 🙂 RT @GovBrewer: Great news! I've just negotiated a deal for #AZ to fully reopen @GrandCanyonNPS tomorrow!
— Arizona Scenic Tours (@AzScenicTours) October 11, 2013
Arizona Central reports that the state will pony up $651,000 to keep park open for one week.
The money will come from a mix of state and “other” dollars, Brewer spokesman Andrew Wilder said, including funds contributed by Tusayan businesses.
The announcement came after an afternoon conference call to iron out the details, and after the Interior Department had reached similar re-opening agreements with Utah and Colorado.
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Related:
‘Closed for King Obama’: Grand Canyon business owners protest shutdown
‘It’s a free day’: Zion National Park reopens with Utah state aid
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