The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, is currently preparing for the possibility of a government shutdown by identifying staff whose work responsibilities are designated as ‘excepted’ or ‘non-excepted’, as outlined in the Department of Defense Contingency Guidance document.
According to Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III , civilian personnel deemed to be performing excepted activities will continue to work during the period of a shutdown.
“ Operations and activities that are essential to safety, protection of human life, and protection of our national security, are excepted from shutting down ,” said Lynn. “ The DoD will continue to conduct activities in support of our national security, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan; Libya-related support operations; and other operations and activities essential to the security of our nation .”
A DoD news release issued yesterday noted that the government must also continue to provide for the safety of human life and protection of property.
The USACE Galveston District currently manages approximately 50 active construction contracts ranging from dredging projects to environmental restoration, which may be affected by a shutdown that could include a disruption in services.
“ USACE headquarters in Washington, D.C., is in the process of deciding specific guidance for project continuation ,” said Col. Christopher W. Sallese , USACE Galveston District commander. “ As soon as USACE Galveston District receives further guidance, we will carry out our mission accordingly.”
According to Sallese, pending official notification from USACE headquarters, civilians will be briefed by their supervisors as to whether their work responsibilities fall into excepted or non-excepted status.
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Source: usace, April 11, 2011;