SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — In the final days of September and after a long debate over budget priorities, Congress passed legislation that managed to avert a government shutdown and keep departments funded. That legislation only lasts 45 days, expiring on Nov. 17.
Since then, House Republicans voted to oust the former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and they had yet to formally find a replacement as of Oct. 13. Without a Speaker, the House is likely unable to pass bills and ensure the government stays open past the new deadline.
If the U.S. government shuts down, funding to keep national parks open would be unavailable and they would close — including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Sevier County Commission is working to try and keep the park funded and open in case the government shuts down.
On Monday, commissioners will consider a resolution allowing the Sevier County Mayor to sign agreements that would help keep the national park open. The resolution says the commission would authorize any funds associated with agreements signed to keep the park open.
"Sevier County, along with the State of Tennessee, the State of North Carolina, Blount County, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have been in conversation with the Department of Interior concerning keeping the park open in the event of a federal government shutdown," the resolution said.
It also said Sevier County would enter an interlocal agreement with Blount County, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It would also enter an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the State of North Carolina to try to keep the national park open.
Fall is usually busy for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, attracting visitors who want to see the color of the leaves change over. In October 2022, the national park saw around 1.6 million visitors — the busiest month of the year.
The Sevier County Commission will meet on Monday at 6 p.m.