Potential Government Shut-Down Worries Some Future Mount Desert Island Vacationers
Others remain hopeful
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Shops.
BAR HARBOR—The email came in quietly to one short-term rental owner.
“It seems the likelihood that the government will shut down Oct 1, is very high. This of course means that the National Parks are closed, and the main attraction for us to visit Bar Harbor is Acadia. So sadly, I will be cancelling our reservation. We are disappointed that we won’t be going since we really thought your house was a perfect spot for us. Our plan is to try again for next year. Hopefully, your house will be available when we are ready to book our travel next year,” one woman wrote.
On a Facebook group about hiking in Acadia National Park, one woman said she was worrying, too.
“We have plans to go to Acadia on October 1. But if the government shuts down, Acadia will be closed and I’m wondering what we can do in the area outside of the park?” she wrote.
Comment after comment did one of two things: Explain that Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park have a lot to offer beyond its manned entrances at Cadillac Summit Road and the Park Loop Road by Sand Beach in the park or that they were worried about the same thing.
Deputy Chief of Interpretation for Acadia National Park and Saint Croix Island International Historic Site Amanda Pollock said Wednesday evening, “Congress is working through the appropriations process and we are hopeful that a lapse in appropriations will not occur. The plans on our website are from 2024. They are currently being reviewed and updated. Updated plans will be put online as soon as they’re finalized.”
Whether or not there have been a lot of cancellations or just a lot of talk is unknown.
“Bar Harbor and MDI remain open for all visitors regardless of the potential government shutdown. We are hopeful congress will come to an agreement. But we remain resolute to provide our visitors with a fantastic experience even if the federal government does not pass a budget,” said Bar Harbor Chamber President Bo Jennings.
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Director Everal Eaton said Thursday, “As the nation faces the possibility of another federal government shutdown, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is closely monitoring the situation and its potential impact on our community, our businesses, and the millions of visitors who come to enjoy our town and Acadia National Park.
“The federal government shutdown in 2013 provided a clear perspective for what our community could face. With the closure of Acadia National Park, local businesses saw a significant downturn in revenue, and our economy, which is so closely tied to the park, was directly affected. While Bar Harbor’s restaurants, shops, and hotels would remain open, a potential closure of the park’s gates, visitor centers, and key facilities would be a serious blow during a key point in our crucial shoulder season.”
Shut-down crises and actual shut-downs aren’t that uncommon in the United States. The current potential stems from the need for Congress to fund the federal government prior to next Tuesday.
The Republicans hold a majority of Senate seats, but it is a narrow majority. There must be 60 votes to pass the bill about the government’s spending, which means that any bill will have to include Senators from both parties. Angus King, an Independent from Maine, tends to vote with Democrats.
Differences over the budget are many, but larger ones include Democrats wanting Obamacare subsidies restored rather than expire at year’s end as well as concerns over Medicaid cuts, and recent cuts to multiple health programs.
Republicans have presented a continuing resolution, which is basically a temporary funding bill that allows the government to continue (not shut down), but flat funds the spending.
“The economic engine of our region is fueled by tourism, with millions of visitors coming to Acadia National Park each year. The park is a primary draw for our visitors, and a shutdown would not only disrupt their plans but also could cause a ripple effect of cancellations and lost revenue throughout our local economy. This is a time when our community needs stability and predictability to support our businesses and employees,” Eaton said.
“While we remain hopeful that a resolution will be reached in Washington to prevent this from happening, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce and our members are preparing for all contingencies. We will work to ensure visitors are aware of the many activities in Bar Harbor that will remain available, from exploring our vibrant downtown to enjoying our unique coastal experiences. We are a resilient community, and we will continue to support one another, but the potential for a shutdown adds unnecessary uncertainty to a season that is already facing its own challenges,” he continued.
All above photos of Bar Harbor/BHS
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