13-066 Temporary closure of Walla Walla District facilities and services

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for the closure of Corps-operated facilities and the suspension of some services, beginning today, as the shutdown of the federal government goes into effect.

     “We have updated our plans to prepare for an orderly shutdown, as outlined in the guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget,” said Andrew Kelly, Walla Walla District commander. “The planning was based on current law regarding a lapse in appropriations, and the requirements of an emergency furlough in response to a government shutdown.”

     “A government shutdown places significant additional hardships on our workforce,” Kelly said. “Of course, we hoped that this planning would be ultimately unnecessary, and that no lapse would occur. However, as it happens, we are ready to follow the law,” he said.

     The current Continuing Resolution Authority expired at midnight, last night, and because federal funds are unavailable, the following locations and services to the public will be affected until funding becomes available:

·   Visitor Centers, campgrounds, boat launches and day-use facilities will be unsupported or closed at all Corps locks and dams. Affected recreation areas would not return to normal until after the shutdown is lifted. The following notice will be posted at closed facilities:

     “Effective Tuesday, October 1, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed all Corps-operated   

     campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide as a result of the federal government shutdown.  Visitors    

     currently camping at Corps campgrounds will be required to vacate by 8 p.m. local on Wednesday,

     October 2, and no new visitors or reservations will be accepted until after the federal government

     shutdown ends.  We regret the impacts of these required actions on the recreating public, and will make

     every attempt to inform the public when these facilities reopen. Paid reservations will be fully refunded  

     at either the customer's request or automatically after the reservation departure date during the closure

     period. To request a refund please contact the reservation customer service at 1-888-448-1474 (TDD 1-877-833-6777).”

However, Corps parks leased to partner agencies and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place.

·   Vessel navigation would continue to remain available through the Walla Walla District’s navigation locks.

·   Hydropower operations will continue, as will flood-damage reduction and other emergency response activities. Security will remain in place at all Corps dams.

·   Public vehicle crossings over Lower Granite, Little Goose and Lower Monumental dams are currently still being allowed. Travelers are encouraged to call 1-888-DAM-INFO (1-888-326-4636) for the most up-to-date dam-crossing schedules and information.

·   The Corps of Engineers’ Regulatory permitting offices in Idaho would be open with minimum staffing.

An update will be provided, if conditions change.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Walla Walla District

Recreation Facilities Leased or Partially-Leased from the Corps

Released with News Release #13-066 -- Oct. 1, 2013