“Looming Federal Government Shutdown Will Not Create Service Changes for District Residents, Businesses, or Visitors”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Ian Livingston

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser today vowed to keep the District open in the event of a Federal Government shutdown. The Mayor was joined by Deputy City Administrator Kevin Donahue, Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Chris Shorter, and a delegation of DC Government agency leaders.

“Leadership is about stepping up, not shutting down,” said Mayor Bowser. “Shutdown or no shutdown – DC is open.”

As part of the District’s plan to remain open during a federal government shutdown, the Department of Public Works will take over litter collection for the National Parks Service’s (NPS) 126 properties across the District that would otherwise not be serviced during a shutdown. In the event of inclement weather, DPW would also treat and clear NPS roadways.

“People from across the nation and around the world come to visit Washington, DC, our nation’s capital,” said Director Shorter. ” We take great pride in our city and want to ensure that it’s clean and looks its best, regardless of what’s happening at the federal level.”

Budget autonomy allows the District to reallocate funds from local dollars to cover expenses incurred during a government shutdown. The District in turn requests reimbursement from the Federal Government for costs incurred during the closure. The District also holds the option to include these costs as part of the federal payment budget requests.

As part of the District’s preparation for a potential government shutdown, each agency has reviewed funding sources and guidance provided by their federal agencies and have reported that there will be no service changes or lapse in benefits caused by the looming shutdown. Agencies that provide critical social services will share guidance to their clients about continued service during the shutdown.

Through the DC Department of Human Services, ongoing services will include assistance provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid. If Federal Government funding is not restored within 30 days, the District will notify customers of any potential impacts to their benefit payments. Residents who have specific questions are encouraged to contact the ESA Call Center at (202) 727-5355.

In the District, both the Metropolitan Police Department and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services are considered essential and would not be impacted by a Federal Government shutdown.”