**PRESS RELEASE**
Re: Local and State Governments Working on Plan with National Park Service to Fully Open the Great Smoky Mountains National Park During Federal Government Shutdown
Blount County, Tennessee – Joint Statement
Sevier County, the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Pittman Center, Blount County, Cocke County, the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the State of North Carolina, along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, have been working together since last week on a plan to provide financial support to make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park fully operational during the federal government shutdown that began on Wednesday, October 1.
Currently, the National Park remains accessible, including main roadways; however, some services or popular areas such as Sugarlands Visitor Center and Cades Cove Loop Road, Picnic Area and Visitor Center are closed as a result of the federal government shutdown. Local and state governments are working on a plan with the National Park Service to fully open these and other areas of the park that are closed during the shutdown.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States and plays a critical role in the economy and culture of the region, especially during the fall season when hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to the area. The partnering governments recognize the importance of keeping the park open and are working together to provide solutions that will minimize any disruption.
The partners are working on finalizing details on an agreement, and additional information regarding operations and funding will be released soon.
Areas of the park that are currently closed can be found on the National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
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