The Government Shutdown Impacts Local Campgrounds

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LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)-The government shutdown has forced many federal facilities to close including parks like Dewayne Hayes here in Columbus.

Only hours after the announcement of a government wide shutdown campers at Dewayne Hayes in Columbus had no choice but to leave.

“A lot of people have already gone. Some left yesterday the rest had to leave this morning,” says Maurice Williamson.

Maurice Williamson has been a campground host for six years. He says this shutdown has him saying no to the regular campers.

“We had to advice them that we don’t know when we will be open again that’s still up in the air. We just have to turn people away if they come out,” says Williamson.

Dewayne Hayes is a vacation spot for Eli Perrigan and his family throughout the year. He was confused when camp ground officials asked him to leave.

“I thought they were messing with me at first. I have to stop work and come over here and pack up everything which takes about two hours it’s our vacation away from home,” says Eli Perrigan.

Perrigan says until the government comes to an agreement he won’t be able to enjoy his home away from home.

“It’s aggravating because I wish they would come to a conclusion and get all this squared away so we can get back to doing our normal thing we do in life,” says Perrigan.

“We won’t have a lot to do except just be here until it’s open again,” says Williamson.

The campground hosts will continue to secure the parks, but until lawmakers agree on a spending bill it’s going to be a lonely day at the park.

Campers were forced to leave by noon Tuesday.