Great Smoky Mountains National Park to stay open at least through Oct. 19 amid shutdown

Agreement extended to keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open during shutdown

Despite federal shutdown, local and state funds keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open

After the federal government shutdown cut staffing and services at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, local governments and nonprofits in the region stepped up to foot the bill and keep the park open during the peak fall season.

Local governments band together to reopen famous national park during shutdown

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is welcoming visitors during the government shutdown. That's because local governments need the tourists and are paying to keep the park open.

Agreement extended to keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open during government shutdown

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The agreement to keep the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open during the federal government shutdown has been extended as local governments are working to make sure they do not lose any tourism opportunities. Sevier County has signed an addendum with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service to continue funding full operations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the ongoing s…

Great Smoky Mountains National Park to stay open at least through Oct. 19 amid shutdown

According to an agreement, local and state partners will fund $61,703.18 each day.

Friends of the Smokies Helping Fund Great Smoky Mountain National Park Extension Agreement

Sevier County announced Wednesday that it had reached an agreement to provide support to fully open the Great Smoky Mountains National Park through Oct. 19. Earlier the same groups provided a seven-day extension to reopen the park through Saturday after the federal government shutdown resulted in various parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being closed. Friends of the Smokies  — a group I fully support and endorse — is one of severa…