The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on national parks and local economies. Jason Hayes, AFPI's Director of Energy and Environment, highlighted the significant role that national parks play in supporting local businesses and job creation.
"Hundreds of millions of people—Americans and international visitors—travel to our national parks each year," Hayes said. He noted that visitor spending on parks, as well as related services like hotels and restaurants, contributed approximately $29 billion to local economies in 2024, creating more than 340,000 jobs.
Hayes emphasized the adverse effects of the shutdown on park operations, with park rangers and federal public land workers facing delays or halts in critical services. He warned that the closure could result in a daily loss of up to $1 million in fee revenue for national parks, posing a threat to the economic vitality of nearby communities.
"As a former park ranger," Hayes said, "I am hopeful that Congress will reopen the government so Americans can once again have access to our national parks, workers can be paid, and local economies can continue to thrive."
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