From Staff Reports

Sequester relief for the National Park Service from cuts to fix the nation’s budget woes is doubtful, U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Highlands, told the Council of Independent Business Owners on April 30 at Magnolia’s restaurant in downtown Asheville.

“We are getting a lot of calls about cuts to national parks,” he told the more than 80 people attending the CIBO luncheon. “Obvioiusly, having a vital park system, and something that is open to the public is key, but as we see it, most of the concern is ‘How will it impact me this summer on vacation or my business?’”

As a result of the mandated sequester cuts, the Blue Ridge Parksway has shut down 10 campgrounds. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has closed three campgrounds and two picnic areas.

Meadows and other House Republicans recently criticized park managers for a sign that announced that the Linville Falls campground was closed because of the sequestration.

Referring to the sign as a “wasteful political statement,” Meadows called for an investigation into the costs. In the meantime, the parkway has removed the sign.

Congress recently allowed the Federal Aviation Administration to use money earmarked for airport improvements to end furloughs for air traffic controllers following delayed flights that triggered public outrage, but Meadows does not see the same scenario with the parks.

“I don’t see additional funding coming in primarily because the way a lot of people in government view parks as a nonessential,” Meadows said. “Even though it’s vital to our economy here in the west, I don’t see there being a strong impetus to change things.”