Missouri has joined a growing list of states looking to reopen national parks within their borders as the federal government shutdown continues.
In a statement released late Friday, Governor Jay Nixon (D) says he's directed members of his staff to put together a proposal for reopening National Park Service sites in Missouri, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park. He calls the two sites "national treasures" that draw millions of tourists every year and "generate significant economic activity."
On Thursday, President Obama (D) announced that he would allow states to reopen national parks within their borders, provided they pay the costs of operating them.
Here is Governor Nixon's full statement:
"These parks and riverways are national treasures that draw millions of visitors each year and generate significant economic activity for our state. That is why I have directed members of my administration to develop a proposal to reopen these important assets, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, so that families and visitors can continue to enjoy these iconic parks and monuments even if the federal government shutdown continues."
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