Update, Oct. 17

With the end of the government shutdown, the Ballard Locks has reopened to the public today.

The Senate voted yesterday 81-18 and the House voted 285-144 on a measure to avert a U.S. Default.

It should be noted that the deal is only a temporary fix. It funds the government until Jan. 15 and raises the debt ceiling until Feb. 7, so the Ballard Locks -- and the U.S. government -- could face another shutdown early next year.

Original, Oct. 1

The long arm of the much-dreaded government shutdown has found its way to Ballard today.

The Ballard Locks will be closed to the public, according to an announcement sent out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who run the Locks. Vessel navigation will still be available, albeit limited.

Here is their announcement in full:

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is curtailing some services and closing its campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide beginning today, due to the lack of fiscal 2014 funding legislation. The following Seattle District locations and services to the public are affected until funding becomes available:

• Vessel navigation will remain available through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard, however staffing limitations may cause longer locking times.
• The park grounds at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard will be closed, starting at 4 p.m. today. As an example, cyclists and walkers won't have access to or through the park beginning 4 p.m. today, nor any subsequent days until funding restoration. "

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