Sevier County, TN (WOKI) Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, a partnership forged earlier this month among nearly a dozen East Tennessee municipalities continues working to keep the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open to visitors.
Sevier County officials announcing Friday that funding to maintain the full range of park services will continue through Sunday, November 2.
“Through this agreement, local and state partners will continue to ensure uninterrupted operations of the national park,” Tyler Basler with Sevier County said. “While the Nov. 2 date extends beyond a standard increment, multiple agreements will be signed over the next couple of weeks to maintain funding through Sunday, Nov. 2, if necessary.”
Officials say this commitment ensures that Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open and fully operational for residents and visitors, with all facilities, roadways, visitor centers, restrooms, campgrounds, and trails continuing to operate as normal.
Basler added that if the federal government shutdown looks like it will continue into early November, local and state partners will meet again during the week of Oct. 27–31 to discuss next steps.
Multiple municipalities have been working collaboratively to keep the park open, including:
- Sevier County
- Gatlinburg
- Sevierville
- Pigeon Forge
- Pittman Center
- Blount County
- Cocke County
- The State of Tennessee
- The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
- Friends of the Smokies
- The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
