Here is the official USACE plan for government shutdown; 1,100 of 36,000 employees to be furloughed

DredgeWire summary

During a government shutdown, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) activates a contingency plan to continue “excepted” activities related to national security and public safety, while closing many of its public recreation areas

• A significant number of staff are furloughed, though many are funded by sources other than annual appropriations and can continue their work.
• Permitting delays: The USACE regulatory offices close, which stops the processing of permit applications, including Section 404 permits and requests for jurisdictional determinations.

Continuing operations

Key operations that are considered “excepted” and continue during a lapse in appropriations include:

• Emergency response: The USACE maintains its ability to respond to emergencies and disasters, including providing immediate technical assistance for flood control and water supply issues.
• National security: Activities directly related to national security and maintaining USACE command and control continue.
• Work with alternative funding:Many projects and functions can continue if they are funded by prior-year, multi-year, or other non-annually appropriated funds.
• Existing contracts: Contractors working on pre-existing, fully funded contracts can continue their services, though new contracts and task orders for non-excepted activities are halted.

Personnel impacts

The USACE’s contingency plan details the impact on its workforce:

• Excepted personnel:Employees deemed necessary to continue excepted functions continue to work without pay until new appropriations are approved. In September 2025, it was reported that USACE planned to furlough just over 1,100 of its more than 36,000 employees.
• Furloughed employees: Non-excepted employees are furloughed and must cease all work.
• Back pay: By law, furloughed and excepted federal employees are guaranteed retroactive pay once a shutdown ends.
• Contractors: Government contractors do not have the same guarantee of back pay and may face furlough or layoffs.