Federally-Run East Texas Lakes, Parks Closed due to Government Shutdown

EAST TEXAS — Two East Texas reservoirs, Lake Sam Rayburn and Lake o’ the Pines, are affected by the federal government shutdown. That’s according to KETK. Rhonda Paige, spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said campers in public park areas of Lake O’ the Pines would have to leave the grounds by 8:00pm Wednesday, and neither reservations nor people in public recreation areas will be allowed until the government reopens. A spokeswoman for the Jasper Chamber of Commerce confirmed the closure of Lake Sam Rayburn until the shutdown is over.