D.C. Plans Some Closures in Case of Federal Shutdown

The District of Columbia is preparing a contingency plan to deliver essential services in case of a federal government shutdown.

Mayor Vincent Gray said Monday that the D.C. government is the only U.S. jurisdiction prohibited from spending local funds during a federal budget impasse. He said that highlights the injustice of the District's lack of budget autonomy.

Under the contingency plan, police, firefighters and EMS units will be on duty. Public schools also will remain open.

Some agencies would have to close, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the Department of Public Works and the D.C. Public Libraries. Trash collection would halt for a week, and street sweeping would be suspended.

There would be limited operations in the health and human services departments.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us