Utah moves to keep parks and services open as federal shutdown takes hold

A federal government shutdown began October 1, after Congress failed to enact full-year fund­ing, triggering furloughs of nonessential workers, halting many federal programs and creating uncertainty across the country.

Image via NPS

In Utah, fallout is sharp­ly felt in towns dependent on national-park tourism, especially in southern counties. In Kane County and Kanab, where tourism supports lodging, guides and ancillary services, local leaders warn of rev­enue shortfalls from fewer visitors and constrained services. In Moab and Grand County, officials already report declines in transient room tax col­lections, and city leaders anticipate pressure on municipal budgets.

Federal research grants and infrastructure funds backing state universities and local projects are also at risk, as agencies cannot award or disburse money during a funding lapse. State and local agencies must brace for delays in contract payments.

To blunt the impact, Utah has pledged to keep its national parks and federal lands open, even under constrained staffing, by deploying state resources and coordinating with local partners.

“Our priority has been and continues to be preserv­ing our parks, maintaining the visitor experience, and ensuring Utah communi­ties and businesses that rely on national park visi­tation are supported,” said Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film. “We are engaged in proactive conversations with public and private partners at all levels, offering strategic support to ensure the parks remain open with necessary resources.”

Utah’s state and county parks, unaffected by the federal lapse, remain open and fully staffed.

While Utah’s approach seeks to cushion rural econ­omies and preserve visitor access, many dependent on federal programs must wait on Congress to restore funding and resume full operations.