Tourists from Europe and across the states were forced to turn around as they met the closed gates of Saguaro National Park East on Wednesday.
The first day of the federal government shutdown caused road closures and visitor confusion. Some were disappointed that their travel plans were disrupted.
AZPM reached out to the National Park Service to gather more specific information regarding the shutdown’s effect on local parks, but it has not responded.
The Park Service’s contingency plan, however, states that roads, trails, lookouts and open-air memorials will be generally accessible and that basic visitor services like bathroom sanitation and emergency services remain.
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How federal cuts impact Arizona
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FEMA has awarded about $700,000 to Arizona and the Havasupai Tribe to fund hazard mitigation projects. The money came from a program the federal agency had nixed but was reinstated by the courts earlier this year. -
Phoenix households cut from SNAP can apply for a $600 credit toward their APS or SRP electric bill and $100 for gas or public transportation. -
Planned Parenthood Arizona clinics are once again providing care for patients insured through Medicaid. Services for Medicaid patients had been on pause since September. -
The U.S. Agriculture Department says Arizona’s error rate for food stamp applications was 10.8%; that’s higher than the national rate of 10.6%. If that number doesn’t come down, it’ll cost the state in penalties, thanks to provisions in the "Big Beautiful Bill Act." -
In addition to refugees and asylum seekers, H.R. 1 ended SNAP eligibility for other immigrants who lack permanent resident status, including survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
