PHOENIX – Governor Doug Ducey today announced that the state of Arizona is prepared to provide resources to keep the Grand Canyon open. The state is partnering in this effort with the National Park Service, with help from Arizona State Parks and Trails and the Arizona Office of Tourism.
The Grand Canyon hosts more than six million visitors per year and is a major travel destination for visitors from around the world. Keeping the Grand Canyon open to these visitors is a priority to the state as is continuing to protect the natural and cultural resources that Arizona offers. The Grand Canyon also is a major economic pillar for surrounding communities in rural Arizona. Governor Ducey is committed to providing funding and assistance to maintain operations.
“The Grand Canyon will not close on our watch. Period,” said Governor Ducey. “If Washington, D.C. won’t function, Arizona will. By working together with the National Park Service, and with dollars from our Parks and Tourism departments, we have identified state resources and will make sure the Grand Canyon stays open. Don’t change your travel plans, because Arizona is open for business – regardless of what happens back in Congress.”
The gateway town of Tusayan and the partner services provided by the Grand Canyon National Park have committed to remaining open, including lodging, food, beverages, and retail. Services, campsites, and trails will be open at the Grand Canyon National Park.
Arizona State Parks and Trails faces no closures and has parks with cabins, campsites and hiking trails as well as thousands of miles of trails throughout the state.
For information about all Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com.
