Federal Government Shutdown Commences

Reactions from waterway-relevant federal agencies to the current government shutdown have ranged from withholding updates to websites to shutting down offices.

“Due to a lapse in federal funding, this website will not be actively managed,” the U.S. Coast Guard stated, adding that the next update to its website will be posted after federal funding is enacted.

In one of its last notices posted before the shutdown, the Coast Guard announced that the National Maritime Center (NMC) and all regional examination centers (RECs) would be closed until further notice.

Customer walk-in service, examinations and other appointments at the RECs have been suspended or cancelled.

According to the notice, the Coast Guard will maintain limited operations in support of national defense, including its customer service center, which can be contacted via the chat system, by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

“The Coast Guard is continuing to execute its legally mandated operations, including safeguarding national security, protecting life and preserving property,” Lt. Cmdr. Steve Roth, chief of media relations, said in a written statement. “Uniformed personnel will continue to maintain essential services to control, secure and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce vital to economic prosperity and respond to crises or contingencies.”

Roth said other activities will be reduced or paused until funding is restored, which will limit the service’s capacity to fully maintain mission readiness.

Julie Ufner, president and CEO of the National Waterways Conference, recalled the impact of previous shutdowns on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“From past shutdowns, we know communities have experienced delays in studies and projects, disruptions in navigation when dredging or permitting decisions were postponed and slowdowns in regulatory reviews,” Ufner said. “In this shutdown, the Corps has announced plans to furlough about 3 percent of its employees. While that figure applies across the agency, it will inevitably affect Civil Works activities, including studies, projects and regulatory reviews that our members rely on.”

If the shutdown is short, Ufner added, impacts may be minimal. In a prolonged shutdown, she said, the delays and costs may compound for non-federal sponsors and the communities they serve.

“Our members stand ready to work with our federal partners to create win-wins that keep essential studies, projects and regulatory programs moving forward,” she said.

In addition to the furloughs, the Trump administration has indicated layoffs may follow for some federal workers.