FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District is still operational despite having to reduce services due to the lack of 2014 funding legislation and the government shutdown. Activities that can continue are labeled “excepted activities.”
After assessing all of its current projects, the Fort Worth District determined that limited personnel who support programs with available non-expiring funds or funds carried over from previous years will be able to continue working these projects until those funds are exhausted, under the excepted activities guidelines.
All other personnel who are in a “non-excepted” status are being placed on emergency furlough, according to Corps officials. This means that they will be placed in a non-duty, non-pay status for the duration of the lapse of appropriations or until recalled to support excepted activities. Many Corps personnel who manage area lakes fall under this category.
Current military construction projects such as the new Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, in Fort Hood, Texas and civil works projects such as the Dallas Floodway Extension project will continue until funds are exhausted.
District operated campgrounds and day-use parks are closed and off limits to the public. Campers and visitors are required to vacate campgrounds no later than 8 p.m. today. Areas that cannot be physically closed, such as small day use areas, overlooks, and boat ramps are posted closed as well.
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.
Release no. NR14-001