KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As the clock ticks closer to a potential government shutdown, East Tennesseans might wonder how it could impact them. First, government workers would get furloughed or be asked to work without pay, and things start to trickle down from there.

The biggest impacts would be seen at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which would have to furlough employees like park rangers and close some parts of the park. In 2019, a government shutdown closed amenities like campsites and visitors centers but left roads and trails open.

WBIR spoke to former Superintendents of the GSMNP on Monday, who are urging a closure of the park if a government shutdown happens, citing concerns like safety for visitors and vandalism.

Another impact would be felt at the airport. At McGhee Tyson

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