Governor Bullock Will Not Use State Funds to Open National Parks in Montana

U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has announced today, October 10, that states may be able to re-open national parks within their boarders as long as they pay personnel costs with state funds. However, Montana is unlikely to do so.

The announcement was in response to requests of governors in Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota and Utah.

When asked if Montana would pursue a state-funded path to reopening the national parks, Montana Governor Steve Bullock sent the following response:

“Of course not. When I say that it’s long past time to open up the government and end this reckless and job-killing shutdown, I mean the entire government – benefits for the families of service members killed in combat, ‘open’ signs at Social Security Offices and resumed use of our National Parks.”