Smokies spend $52,000 to host Bush for washed out visit

Smokies spend $52,000 to host Bush for washed out visit

May 3, 2005

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS (WATE) -- A spokesman for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park says it spent $52,000 to host President Bush for a visit he cancelled due to storms on Earth Day.

President Bush spoke briefly at McGhee Tyson Airbase after storms delayed his landing by about 45 minutes. [ visit changed ]

Bush was due to visit Cades Cove to help with a service project and speak about the park's volunteer program.

Most of the cost of his visit is expected to be recouped from the White House and a contingency fund that's funded by one percent of all regional Park Service budgets.

The spokesman says the amount isn't especially high since the park can spend that much in one day on a search effort.

The spokesman said much of the preparation for Bush's visit was done by park employees working regular hours.