Government Shutdown Closes USMMA

Twenty-four hours after celebrating the campus’ 70th anniversary, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy shut down Tuesday, a victim of the federal government’s budget impasse.

The Academy is funded by the Department of Transportation, which under guidelines laid out in the event of a shutdown has furloughed 451 of 830 positions in Maritime Administration. 

“Due to a lapse in funding, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is closed for normal operations,” the Academy’s website explains. 

If the shutdown extends more than a week, USMMA midshipmen will be sent home, according to the DOT. That will impact approximately 720 students on campus, who will have the option of going home until operations resume. 

The DOT said 225 midshipmen at sea on 4- to 8-month training cruises will be allowed to continue. 

“Because the Academy’s academic calendar is nearly-year round, it will be difficult to make up more than a few lost days of classes,” said Meghan keck, Director of Public Affairs at DOT. “A prolonged shutdown could endanger the Academy’s accreditation.” 

Rep. Steve Israel, D-Huntington, whose recently redrawn district includes Kings Point, Tweeted: “Another effect of #GOPshutdown: If it lasts more than few days students @ USMMA Kings Point to be sent home. Estimated to cost govt $325,000.” 

The congressional staredown extends into the sports arena too. The men’s soccer and volleyball schedules are in flux for the NCAA Division III school, according to Landmark Conference Assistant Commissioner Kirbie Britt.

“We’re monitoring the situation and have plans in place to adjust the Landmark men’s soccer and volleyball schedules based on the length of the government shutdown,” Britt told Patch. “Right now, we’re looking at the weekend’s contests with plans to postpone if necessary. Of course we’re hoping the shutdown doesn’t last longer than it has to, so we are trying to wait as long as possible before making schedule changes with the hope USMMA will be able to resume regular operations sooner rather than later.”

USMMA football, off to its best start in 15 seasons, is scheduled to play RPI Saturday in Troy. That's RPI's Homecoming. A decision is expected Thursday, the Liberty League said. 

Everyone is taking an hourly approach, hoping for a quick resolution.

“We are waiting until tomorrow morning to figure out if anything has been resolved in Washington and then, if not, what our options are,” said Manhattanville College Director of Sports Information Steve Sheridan, whose men’s soccer team is scheduled to host USMMA Wednesday. “At the moment, I don't know what the alternative plan would be, but my best guess would be that the game would not be rescheduled.”