Pierce Gentry

Seven local governments and one non-profit in the region have partnered to commit nearly $2 million to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to help keep staff paid and popular destinations such as Cades Cove open for visitors.

Sevier County is home to a significant portion of the park and fronted much of the money.

Here's Vice Mayor Brian McCarter.

The National Park Service estimates the park was responsible for nearly $3 billion of investment in surrounding communities during 2024.

McCarter says they can keep this up for about a month and hope to get their money back once the federal government reopens.

For NPR News, I'm Pierce Gentry.