JOHN WALSH

(US SENATE)—Senator John Walsh is pushing for action on his Keeping Public Lands Open Act after the Interior Department released new data outlining how damaging last October’s government shutdown and the subsequent national park closures were to Montana’s economy.

In 2013, there was a 3.2 percent decline in visitors and a 1 percent decline in spending in our national parks across the country because of the House lead government shutdown, costing our state over $40 million of lost revenue.  Walsh’s bill ensures that operations at national parks, and other public lands, continue if there is a lapse in funding as a result of a federal government shutdown. 

“Millions of visitors come to Montana every year because of our stunning landscapes and unique access to public lands,” Walsh said.  “Unfortunately, Washington politicians who chose to shutdown the government last fall caused our small businesses owners around our public lands to lose millions of dollars.  This bill ensures that Montana’s entrepreneurs won’t be affected by another federal government shutdown.”

In 2013, over 4 million people visited Yellowstone and Glacier National Park and spent over $397 million and supported 6,354 jobs.  All three statistics were down from 2012.

The Outdoor Industry Association estimates that during 2012, outdoor recreation throughout Montana supported over 64,000 jobs and resulted in $5.8 billion in consumer spending, making tourism Montana’s second largest industry.

Read more about the Keeping Public Lands Open Act HERE.