National Parks In Utah May Re-Open Within 24 Hours

Governor Gary Herbert says the Federal Department of Interior has been receptive to Utah's offer to take over temporary operation of our five national parks. The Feds have encouraged Utah's lawyers to drop up papers and Herbert says the deal could be done within 24 hours.

The Deseret News has this article about the development. Below are excerpts.

The Obama administration said Thursday it will allow states to use their own money to reopen some national parks. Governors in four states, including Utah, asked for that authority because of the impact the closures are having on the local economy...

The governor's office didn't immediately know how much money the state would front or which parks would reopen, though Herbert said Jewell told him the parks could be open within 24 hours. The state is gathering information on daily operating costs, he said...

Zion National Park lost 72,876 visitors in the first 10 days of the shutdown, costing local communities $3.5 million, according to the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees...

Here's hoping it happens quickly.

Utah's Fall Colors

The Utah Office of Tourism has produced the video below, showing off some colors now popping around the state. Many can be seen from our scenic byways. which are great options at any time but expecially now with the national parks closed.