Congressman Edwards Hosts Roundtable with Local Tourism Leaders During Shutdown

HENDERSONVILLE, NC – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) led a roundtable discussion with local tourism leaders, including representatives from Western North Carolina Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Development Associations, to discuss the impact of the ongoing government shutdown and efforts to rebuild after Hurricane Helene.

"The compounding effect of COVID, a devastating hurricane, and now a government shutdown creates unprecedented uncertainty for our small businesses, local governments, and our regional economy,” said Congressman Edwards. "I appreciate local tourism leaders coming together to help me better understand the challenges we face and sharing their ideas on how we can better support businesses in getting back on their feet. Tourism is the backbone of our region's economy, and we cannot afford the disruption of a shutdown. That’s why I voted in favor of the House-passed Continuing Resolution to keep our government open — it’s time for Senate Democrats to do the same.”

Congressman Edwards also discussed how he’s working to bolster Western North Carolina’s tourism industry in Congress by:
 

• Pushing Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum to expedite repairs to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is now 98% reopened and expected to be fully reopened by the end of next year, well ahead of the 8-year timeframe initially expected.
• Advocating for the establishment of a Department of Interior task force dedicated to examining how road and infrastructure repairs are handled after a natural disaster.
• Secured $150,000 in funding for the Blue Ridge Parkway Association to develop their travel planner, promote local businesses, and equip tourists visiting the region.
• Supporting FAA Airport Improvement Grant and Airport Terminal Program funding to expand the Asheville Airport.
• Cosponsoring H.R. 2768, the Benton MacKaye Trail Feasibility Study Act, to designate the Benton MacKaye Trail, an important source of tourism in our westernmost counties, as a National Scenic Trail.

For more information on the government shutdown, please visit Congressman Edwards' website at edwards.house.gov/government-shutdown.

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