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Natural resources

Colorado State Funds Visitor Centers at Rocky Mountain National Park During Shutdown

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Colorado Governor Polis, along with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), have announced that the State of Colorado will provide funds to keep two visitor centers at Rocky Mountain National Park open during the federal government shutdown. This decision aims to help local communities and allow visitors to continue accessing the park. The tourism industry in Colorado generates significant economic benefits, with Rocky Mountain National Park alone attracting 4.1 million visitors in 2023 and supporting over 7,800 jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The State of Colorado is providing funds to keep the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers at Rocky Mountain National Park open during the federal government shutdown.
  • The funding split is between DNR and CTO, with a daily cost of $3,200 to keep the visitor centers open.
  • The funding agreement allows the state to keep the visitor centers open for up to seven days, with the option to extend funding if necessary.
  • The state will be refunded for any unexpended funds if the shutdown ends within the next seven days.
  • The decision was made possible by a 2023 Executive Order from Governor Polis, which directed the DNR to develop a plan to keep national parks open during a government shutdown.
  • Rocky Mountain National Park attracts significant economic benefits, with 4.1 million visitors in 2023 and an estimated economic output of $888.7 million.
  • The tourism industry in Colorado contributes $28.5 billion to the state's economy and supports over 188,000 jobs.

Statistics:

  • 4,115,837 visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2023.
  • Estimated economic output of $888,656,000 for Rocky Mountain National Park in 2023.
  • Visitor spending of $568,527,000 at Rocky Mountain National Park in 2023.
  • Support for 7,833 jobs in rural communities across Colorado due to Rocky Mountain National Park visitation in 2023.
  • 4,154,349 visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2024.
  • $28.5 billion contributed to Colorado's economy by the tourism industry.
  • Over 188,000 jobs supported by the tourism industry in Colorado.

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor of Colorado
  • Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Colorado Tourism Office (CTO)
  • National Park Service
  • Executive Order from Governor Polis (2023)

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