Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Tuesday that his administration will file to extend a donor agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure West Virginia’s national park sites remain open during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
West Virginia was among the first states to enter such an agreement, which was initially valid for 14 days and is set to expire this Friday.
Morrisey said his office is preparing the necessary paperwork to extend the agreement beyond the expiration date if the shutdown continues. The move would allow Bridge Day in Fayette County to proceed as scheduled.
The annual event depends on cooperation with the National Park Service, which oversees the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
According to Becky Sullivan, Executive Director of the New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau, this year’s Bridge Day will feature:
300 base jumpers from 39 states and four countries
200 rappellers and 100 highliners
The Active Southern West Virginia Bridge Day 5K, featuring 500 runners from 26 states
More than 200 vendors from 12 states are expected to set up along the event grounds, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Fayette County.
Bridge Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 18.