The U.S. Forest Service suspended operations at the local level after the government shutdown took effect Wednesday.
The Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District office is “currently closed during a lapse in federal funding,” a recorded voicemail message for the office said. Both the Sandpoint Ranger District and the Bonners Ferry Ranger District’s office are also closed for the time being.
Nearly 13,000 Forest Service workers are expected to be furloughed for the duration of the shutdown, according to the agency’s shutdown plan.
The process of shutting down USFS operations could also put a pause on timber sale operations in the region.
Under the USFS’s shutdown plan, the agency will continue responding to wildfires and other emergencies on federal lands when necessary.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Seattle District announced Wednesday the Albeni Falls Dam will continue operating normally as critical infrastructure.
“We are assessing the shutdown’s full impacts and will keep the public informed as the situation evolves,” said Col. Kathryn Sanborn, Seattle District commander. “Our top priority is the continued safe operation of our infrastructure and will continue to carry out mission-critical activities that directly support national security and the economy.”
Veterans Services Director Tom Freeman with the Kootenai County Veterans Services Office said the shutdown has “minimal impact on local VA medical services and facilities” for the time being.
All VA medical centers, benefits, support services and hotlines will remain fully operational, including health care, burials, and crisis lines, Freeman said. The processing of compensation, pension, education and housing benefits has also remained operational.
The status of these services is subject to change depending on the length of the shutdown, he added. Published reports from the VA estimate that 97% of employees will continue to work and receive pay during the shutdown.
Gerry McCray with North Idaho College said the college and affiliated programs like Head Start are not currently impacted by the shutdown.
Federal departments that “protect life and property” are required to continue operations in the event of a government shutdown — even so, not all working federal employees will be receiving pay for the duration of the shutdown.
Spokane International Airport confirmed via social media that the airport has remained fully operational, though its “federal employees’ pay is furloughed.”
“Air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and other airport personnel are deemed to be essential workers,” the post read in part.
This government shutdown marks the first since December of 2018 and was triggered after the U.S. Senate failed to pass an appropriations bill that would have funded the government through late November.
The shutdown will end once Congress is able to pass funding appropriations, though it is not clear when this will happen.