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Utah Company Donates $100k To Fund Parks During Shutdown

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah company is donating $100,000 to keep three national parks open as the federal government shutdown drags on, a gift that state officials say is unique in the country.

Salt Lake City-based uniform and linen rental company Alsco said Thursday the money will fund operations at Zion, Bryce and Arches national parks.

It will pay for basic custodial and visitor center services at least through Feb 18, as the parks' busy season begins.

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The bare-bones operations have been funded through nonprofit groups and local governments.

Alsco co-CEO Bob Steiner, a former state lawmaker, said those efforts inspired executives to help.

The National Park Service has dipped into entrance fees to pay for staffing, but Utah tourism officials say that money only covers part of custodial services.