West Virginia first state to reopen national parks amid shutdown

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia is the first state in the nation to receive a signed agreement from the National Park Service to completely reopen its national parks during the government shutdown, Governor Morrisey has announced.

According to a release from The Office of Governor Morrisey, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park are currently open to visitors and should resume normal operations within the next few days.

“I want to thank Secretary Doug Burgum and the Trump Administration for working with West Virginia to become the first state to fully reopen our national parks,” Morrisey said. “We recognize the importance of our parks to the local economy and hardworking West Virginians, as well as the many visitors who want to enjoy our state’s natural beauty.”

Morrisey said Thursday that his office had reached a “donation agreement” to reopen the parks, but it did not specify who the agreement was with.

Friday marks the third day of the government shutdown.