SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah lawmakers have authorized the state to spend another $7,000,000 to keep Utah's national parks open through December 1 after the sites were temporarily shuttered due to a partial shutdown of the federal government.
The Senate and House unanimously approved the spending Wednesday evening, but it was unclear if the money would need to be used.
Congress appeared to be closing in on a deal late Wednesday to reopen the government.
The spending approved Wednesday is in addition to $1.67 million Utah sent to the federal government last week to reopen the state's five shuttered parks and three other areas.
This new money would ensure they don't have to close again on October 21 when the initial funding dries up, should the shutdown continue.
The measure now awaits Gov. Gary Herbert's signature.