Corps preparing for Oct. 1 closure of Seattle District facilities and services

SEATTLE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for the closure of its campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, if the potential shutdown of the federal government for lack of fiscal 2014 funding legislation goes into effect. The following Seattle District locations and services to the public would be affected until funding became available:

• Vessel navigation would continue to 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 would be closed, starting at 4 p.m. Tuesday. As an example, cyclists and walkers won't have access to or through the park beginning 4 p.m. Tuesday, nor any subsequent days until funding restoration.
• The Corps of Engineers’ regulatory permitting offices would close. In case of an emergency, please call 206-764-6915.
• The Corps of Engineers’ aerial maps and engineering records section would be closed.
• The park at Mud Mountain Dam would be closed, and rangers would 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. 
• Corps of Engineers-maintained boat ramps at Chief Joseph Dam, Libby Dam and on Lake Pend Orielle would 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 preparing for the closure of all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, if the potential shutdown of the federal government goes into effect. Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted.

In the event of a shutdown, campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m. the following day.  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.

An update will be provided, if conditions change.