Furloughs for some in Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to staff Mississippi River locks and dams during the federal government shutdown. But other corps employees were furloughed Tuesday and will remain off the job until funding is restored.

The furlough mainly affects people seeking construction permits along corps-managed waterways, said corps spokesman Patrick Moes. About 10 percent of the St. Paul district's 700 employees have been furloughed.

"If someone is essentially planning a project, or a mining project for that matter, within the states of Minnesota or Wisconsin, they may see a noticeable delay due to the shutdown," Moes added.

River locks have been deemed essential services. Many visitor centers at those facilities will remain open as well because they require little staffing, he said.