LR National Recreation Area is open

The National Park Service (NPS) reopened all 401 national parks, including Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, LRNA announced Thursday.

Visitor facilities normally open during this time of year including campgrounds, boat launches, and the Kettle Falls Information Center will be open as quickly as possible. All park programs and special events scheduled to take place will go forward.

In addition, National Park Service websites, including Lake Roosevelt’s, will be available again for information.

“We are proud to be a part of this area and are happy to welcome visitors back to the park,” Park Superintendent Dan Foster said after the president signed Congress’s government shutdown-ending legislation into law Thursday morning. “We express gratitude to the public as there are great people in this area that have displayed understanding and respect during this difficult time.”

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area has a significant effect on the local economy, Foster said. Together, the economic impacts from visitor spending, federal jobs created, and jobs created in the local market supporting local tourism are estimated to be over $40 million a year generated in the communities around LRNRA.

“The economic impact of closing Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area for 16 days has been extremely difficult on local communities, businesses, neighbors, and park partners,” the press release issued by the park said. “We look forward to working with you on ways to lessen that impact.”