Government shutdown impacts Borderland

The partial shutdown of the federal government has caused some closures throughout the Borderland.

In El Paso, Chamizal National Memorial closed, and Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Monument closed in New Mexico, however visitors may still access part of the dunes.

Ft. Bliss officials tell ABC-7 that those who work through a shutdown would not be paid until Congress makes fund available for the time period.

Childcare would not be impacted, nor would emergency services like police, fire and medical services, although administrative services would be limited.

Elective medical and dental surgeries or procedures would be halted unless a life-threatening situation arises.

Officials said the following list of services would be open, but to call ahead of any appointments to be certain:

– Fort Bliss Commissary: Open through Jan. 24, with operations re-evaluated afterward if furlough still in place.
– Army and Air Force Exchange Service: No impact to Exchange operations. AAFES operations continue, including the Jan. 23, early closure for inventory.
– Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities remain open however, Army Community Service Programs would have decreased staff.

Ft. Bliss social media pages will have the latest information.

Click here for more information