Chamber Seeks Donations to Plow, Open Y’stone Gate

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The chamber of commerce in Cody has begun seeking donations to hire state snow plows to clear the road through the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

The Cody Country Chamber of Commerce on Thursday announced a campaign to raise $50,000 by April 1. The chamber would match donations for a total of $100,000 for the plowing effort.

Yellowstone officials have postponed the start of spring plowing by two weeks to save money amid federal budget cuts. That means Wyoming's park entrances are scheduled to open two weeks later than usual in May.

Northwest Wyoming business owners worry the decision will hurt tourism.

The plowing operation by state equipment and crews would attempt to open the East Entrance on May 3 rather than the current target date of May 17.