On January 23, Gov. Tom Wolf provided an update on how the state is working to minimize the impact of the federal government shutdown on Pennsylvanians.

[Note: The federal shutdown is going on a 3 weeks hiatus thanks to an agreement between Congress and the President Friday.  After 3 weeks, they’ll start over.]

“My administration is doing everything that it can to help those impacted by this situation,” said Gov. Wolf. “Agencies across state government are working with local officials and organizations that rely on federal funding. We are temporarily using state funds to fill the gaps where we can. We are working to assist affected workers however we can. I urge businesses and creditors to show compassion for federal employees that are not being paid."

Among the agency programs impacted are--

-- DCNR: Preparation for an elevation mapping project that includes federal funds is on hold. The high-resolution, elevation data will be used for flood management, natural resource management and conservation, land use planning, geologic mapping and hazard reduction, and infrastructure development.

-- DEP: Final approvals on grant funding and permitting functions have begun to be affected by the shutdown, including pass-through funds depended on by local governments. The department is reviewing and processing what they can, but final action is needed at the federal level.

Additionally, DEP is still waiting on guidance from the federal government on how to manage PFAS contamination in drinking water, a report on which has been delayed by the shutdown. DEP and the PFAS Action team continue to work to address this issue, calling on leadership at the federal level to take up this critical issue.

-- PEMA: Training and exercises for first responders and emergency management practitioners that involve federal agencies have been canceled. Activities related to the disaster declaration from flooding last summer are continuing.

Click Here to read the full update.

NewsClips:

PA Lawmakers Hail End Of Shutdown, But Still Differ On Border Wall

Op-Ed: Govt. Shutdown Ended When Wealthy People Finally Were Hurt

Editorial: Government Is Open For Now

Cusick: Govt. Shutdown Slows Process For Getting Environmental Permits In PA

[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]

1/28/2019