Corps shutting down services |
| October 1, 2013 |
|
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is curtailing
some services and closing its campgrounds and
day-use parks nationwide beginning today, due to
the lack of fiscal 2014 funding legislation. The
following Seattle District locations and
services to the public are affected until
funding becomes available: • Vessel navigation will remain available through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard, however staffing limitations may cause longer locking times. • The park grounds at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard will be closed, starting at 4 p.m. today. As an example, cyclists and walkers won't have access to or through the park beginning 4 p.m. today, nor any subsequent days until funding restoration. • The Corps of Engineers’ regulatory permitting offices will close. In case of an emergency, please call 206-764-6915. • The Corps of Engineers’ aerial maps and engineering records section is closed. • The park at Mud Mountain Dam will close, and rangers will not be patrolling trails or other access points. Anyone who has an existing picnic shelter reservation will be contacted by the park as they will not be available for use. • Souse Gulch Boat ramp and Recreation area at Libby Dam and Trestle Creek area on Lake Pend Oreille will be closed. Corps of Engineers-maintained boat ramps at Chief Joseph Dam, Libby Dam and on Lake Pend Oreille will not be patrolled by Corps staff. • Visitor Centers, campgrounds and day-use facilities will be closed at all Corps locks and dams. Security personnel will remain on staff at all Corps dams. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is closing of all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide beginning today. Affected recreation areas will not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted. Campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m. October 2. These campers may elect to leave their campsite reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted. Campers will receive a refund for any unused portion of their reservations. |