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Government shutdown would affect thousands.
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The Corps, as we call it here, would – like most other government agencies – would trim it’s work staff down to only “emergency essential personnel,” says Media Relations Officer Kavanaugh Breazeale. Workers in the USACE offices here would also return to work on Monday if the government shutdown happens. Those workers would report for duty and be issued a furlough letter and immediately be sent home. According to some national media reports, furloughed government workers will not have access to work related e-mail or government issued cell phones. The U.S. Coast Guard, being a uniformed division of the United States military, would continue operations as if the shutdown never occurred. The one difference is, and this goes for every member of the military, paychecks and death benefits will not be issued during the shutdown period. That pay or benefit will be accrued and once the wheels of government begin to spin again, checks for the accrued amount will be issued. The U.S. Postal Service, while it is a division of the US government, would also be unaffected. The Postal Service operates as an independent business within federal government guidelines. That being said, you will not be able to acquire a passport from the post office during the shutdown. We detailed the effect of the shutdown on the IRS and the US Treasury earlier in the day, but you may be experience a delay in receiving any refund you’re expecting, especially if you filed a paper return. Check out the article by clicking here.
There are many families in Vicksburg who will be directly affected should the government shutdown occur. The total economic impact of the event is yet to be determined, but will be substantial. If you will allow me the indulgence of making an editorial comment… It’s a misquote from Bette Davis’ character in the 1950 film All About Eve, but if this shutdown happens… “Hold on tight! It’s gonna be a bumpy ride!” The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the following press release.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers preparing for possible nationwide closure of Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks Vicksburg, Ms… The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Vicksburg District is preparing for the closure of all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks beginning Saturday, April 9, if the potential shutdown of the federal government goes into effect. Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted. Opening and closures of Corps parks leased to partner agencies and concessionaires will not be affected by the possible government shutdown. These area cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers understands the impact that these actions might have on the American recreating public if we are required to close our recreation areas,” said Michael G. Ensch, Chief of Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We know that this is a time of year when many vacationing families are using or planning to use Corps recreation facilities, and we will reopen them for public use and enjoyment as quickly as possible.” Beginning Saturday and continuing through the end of the shutdown, if it goes into effect, no new visitors will be allowed into, or reservations accepted for, Corps recreation facilities. Campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m. Sunday, April 10. In the event of a shutdown, customers may cancel their reservations for a full refund. Customers required to vacate campsites early will receive a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservations. As an alternative, customers may elect to leave reservations open for possible use if the shutdown is lifted. Customers may request a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservation due to the shutdown. To request a refund please contact the reservation customer service at 877-444-6777. If the customer chooses to do nothing, the reservation service will automatically cancel reservations after their departure date during the shutdown period. The Corps will post current information on the closure and reopening of facilities on the Headquarters website at www.usace.army.mil and locally on the Vicksburg District’s website at www.mvk.usace.army.mil
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