Halt would have ripple affect

A prolonged government shutdown would have various effects on programs in Imperial County if an agreement can’t be reached by Democrats and Republicans over a major budget deal by midnight Thursday.

The biggest effects would be felt by Imperial County residents wishing to enroll in programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and disability insurance.

“Current beneficiaries would continue to receive their benefits,” said county Public Information Officer Linsey Dale.

“However, processing new applications for these programs may slow at the federal level because there would be reduced staff on hand to process.”

She also said the county Public Works Department receives federal funding for transportation.

The Public Works Department completes projects, and then requests reimbursement from the government.

If the county isn’t being reimbursed, funding could run out.

“A long-term shutdown could potentially affect public works’ ability to get reimbursed for projects already completed, thereby impacting our cash accounts,” Dale said. “Transportation projects are generally very costly and a delay in reimbursement could impact the department’s ability to operate effectively.”

Like the rest of the nation, county officials will monitor the situation.

“Imperial County staff will continue monitoring a potential shutdown of the federal government and how any change in federal funding may impact county services dependent on such revenue,” Dale said.

Naval Air Facility El Centro

When the government shut down for a weekend in January, so did parts of Naval Air Facility El Centro, including its public affairs office.

Not this time, said Kristopher K. Haugh, NAFEC public affairs officer.

“Some of our civilian personnel will be furloughed,” he said. “All of our active duty members and certain excepted civilians will report to work.”

Recreational facilities on the base, which includes day care, will remain open, as well as the Navy Exchange. “However, depending on the length of the shutdown, the Commissary is expected to close,” he said. “We are a training facility and the shutdown may affect some of the air operations here.”

He added he will remain available to speak to media; however, base personnel would not be available to participate in community relations or community outreach events.

NAFEC was set to host the annual Air Show Gala, coordinated by the El Centro Area Chamber of Commerce, on Saturday. Due to the potential shutdown, the chamber changed the venue to St. Mary’s Parish, located at 795 S. LaBrucherie in El Centro.