At the end of September nearly every year we have to go through the looming federal government shutdown threats… because Congress will not get their act together and complete the budget process in any sort of sensible manner. Consequently, every time the end of the federal government’s fiscal year rolls around (September 30th) there’s a fight, threats, and tension to try to get a “Continuing Resolution” or shut down a large portion of the government… at least the parts that affect most of us, the general public.
Since we partner with multiple federal agencies and operate our park stores on their property and in their buildings, a shutdown can have a major effect on our operations. If they lock the doors and gates and send everyone home that essentially locks us out, along with the public visitors that we serve and we can’t generate sales which generates jobs and donations to the agencies that we serve.
Luckily, we have some cash set aside in reserve accounts for just such a problem. We can operate for a short time while Congress gets things ironed out (however temporary) and we can again open the doors and serve the visitors.
As of Saturday night, September 30th, Congress passed a 45-day Continuing Resolution which will fund the government through November 17, 2023… then we may get to do the whole thing again! And lots of people will be preparing for the worst. It may be avoided if Congress can pull their act together. A shutdown may happen as of Saturday (November 18th) and we might be closed for a while. We don’t know. We have no idea how long it may last if it happens. We cannot predict. We can only react when the federal government acts.
The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development is offering to pay the federal government to keep some of the parks open through any shutdown. Dinosaur National Monument is on the list and we are applying to get anything we can to help the park stay open. But… we can’t make decisions that will have to come down from the Department of the Interior through the National Park Service. In any case, we’re ready to try and help if they will allow it.
In the meantime, we will do the very best we can to take care of our employees, especially permanent full-time employees. Try to remain calm. We will hope for the best and deal with things as they happen.
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