Government Shutdown: What’s Open, and What’s Not

The federal government shutdown ended on Monday night with the passing of a bill that reinstated federal funds until February 8.

The federal government shutdown on Saturday morning at 12 a.m. resulted in closures of all Cape Hatteras National Seashore visitors’ centers and services, but the beaches remained open throughout the weekend.

“We’re doing everything we can to allow the public to utilize areas of the park that don’t require staffing this time of year,” said David Hallac, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent, in an earlier interview.

Considering that during the last federal government shutdown in October 2013 there were barricades put at the entrances of parking areas and ramps, there was some understandable confusion about what would be accessible during this time.  

Here’s a look at what is open, and what is not, during the federal government shutdown.

What is Open and / or Available

Little headway was made over the weekend by congress on a compromise spending bill that would lift the government shutdown, however a key vote is expected at noon on Monday to reopen the government and fund it for three weeks.  

The Island Free Press will continue to post updates on the shutdown as soon as they are available.