West Virginia Ensures Park Access During Government Shutdown
West Virginia will pay $7,000 a day to keep national parks visitor services during shutdown
WV Metro News | Thursday, October 2, 2025
In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has initiated a funding plan to ensure that national parks like Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge remain accessible and staffed, safeguarding visitor services such as transportation and facility maintenance. The agreement, costing approximately $7,000 a day, comes at a pivotal time as leaf-peeping season is set to begin, attracting tourists to the state's scenic landscapes. With Harpers Ferry historically drawing large crowds, this initiative highlights the importance of tourism to the local economy, which has recently surpassed $9.1 billion in impact. The Governor’s Office expects the parks to resume services shortly, benefiting visitors from nearby towns like Charles Town and Ranson, ensuring they can experience the region's natural beauty during the busy fall months, as covered by WV Metro News.
