Colorado Desk - Colorado Steps up Support for Local Communities to Keep Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Centers Open During Government Shutdown

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DENVER ~ Denver - In a joint announcement today, Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) revealed that the State of Colorado will be providing funds to keep two visitor centers open at Rocky Mountain National Park during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Governor Polis emphasized the importance of these visitor centers in helping all visitors stay informed, safe, and able to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park. He stated, "By taking this action, we are not only supporting our local communities but also ensuring that visitors can continue to access and appreciate the breathtaking vistas and activities that this park has to offer."

The economic impact of national parks, particularly Rocky Mountain National Park, on rural communities in Colorado cannot be understated. According to data from the National Park Service, in 2023 alone, the park welcomed 4,115,837 visitors and generated an estimated economic output of $888,656,000. Visitor spending was recorded at $568,527,000 while supporting 7,833 jobs. In 2024, these numbers increased with 4,154,349 visitors.

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Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT (Office of Economic Development and International Trade), highlighted the significant contribution of tourism to Colorado's economy. She stated that "the tourism industry contributes $28.5 billion to Colorado's economy and supports over 188,000 jobs across the state." Keeping Rocky Mountain National Park open and its visitor centers operational is crucial in promoting a positive visitor experience while also protecting public lands and supporting a critical sector of the economy.

Under a funding agreement between DNR and CTO (a division of OEDIT), both parties will split the cost of keeping Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers open starting October 24 for seven days. The daily cost for keeping these centers open is estimated at $3,200. If the federal government shutdown continues beyond the initial seven days, the state has the option to fund additional days. However, if the shutdown ends within this period, any unexpended state funds will be refunded.

Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of DNR, expressed gratitude for the partnership with regional National Park Service staff and local volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep amenities in national parks open. He stated, "National Parks are integral to the outdoor activities and beauty Colorado has to offer, and the current shutdown has created uncertainty for park staff, visitors, and surrounding communities whose jobs and economies are closely tied to our national parks. We are hopeful that the state's contribution can provide some of the national park experience visitors expect until full operations can resume."

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While all national parks in Colorado remain open during this time, some services may be limited or unavailable. The State of Colorado is able to take this action due to a 2023 Executive Order from Governor Polis directing DNR to work with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting to develop a plan for keeping national parks open in case of a government shutdown.

In conclusion, with this funding agreement in place, visitors can continue to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park while also supporting local communities and their economies. The State of Colorado remains committed to preserving its natural wonders and promoting tourism even during challenging times such as these.

Filed Under: Government, State

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