Grand Canyon learning to deal with sequester cuts

PHOENIX — The sequester spending cuts went into effect in early March and the Grand Canyon is learning to deal with less funding.

“Be a bit patient with us,” said Maureen Oltrogee with the National Park Service. “If you don’t like the cleanliness of the bathrooms or you don’t like longer lines, try to remember we’re trying to provide a great experience. The busier the park gets, the more people will notice. Instead of cleaning bathrooms and buildings twice a day, we may only be doing that once each day.”

After all was said and done, the Grand Canyon has about $1 million less than they are accustomed to.

The Park Service hasn’t been able to hire up the full complement of seasonal workers they would normally have. There’s a hiring freeze. Overtime has been cut.

The South Rim campgrounds are open but visitors will see less rangers roaming around. Visitor center hours will be cut this summer.

In peak season, the Grand Canyon typically sees an average of more than 20,000 daily visitors.