The Army Corps of Engineers has begun furloughing workers as the federal government shutdown continues.
In a conference call this week, Corps officials said essential functions, such as ongoing Lake Okeechobee water release, will continue. However, some important work is being phased out.
Col. Alan Dodd, the Commander of the Army Corps’ Jacksonville District, said right now about 200 people, or a quarter of his staff, is furloughed.
As the shutdown continues, Dodd said more people will be sent home in stages.
“On projects that do not have funding remaining those people have been furloughed and this primarily dealing with working on studies, some engineers here,” he said. “However out on the construction projects we are still 100 percent funded and all of those people are out continuing to do their work.”
Dodd said lock and dike inspections , as well as monitoring lake levels will continue—although, fewer people will be on the job.
Many of the Corps’ studies are also on the backburner.
Most are for projects that are supposed to be funded next year, including Everglades’ restoration projects aimed at improving water quality.
This week the Corps also closed parks and camping areas it operates.
