Statement on the effects of sequestration at Vicksburg National Military Park

Date: March 27, 2013
Contact: Michael Madell, Superintendent, 601-619-2902

Effective March 1, 2013, Vicksburg National Military Park was required by "sequestration" (a series of automatic, across-the-board permanent spending cuts) to reduce its annual budget by five percent. The park must absorb that cut in the remaining seven months of this fiscal year that ends September 30. The federal law imposing sequestration requires that each park take this cut.

For Vicksburg National Military Park, this amounts to a $153,000 reduction from an operating budget of $3,062,000. The park has cut travel, training, overtime and supply purchases to help meet the required spending reduction. In addition, the park has six vacant permanent positions, most of which will be left unfilled. (Note: about 93 percent of the park's budget pays for salaries and fixed costs like utilities.)

While we take the actions necessary to comply with sequestration, the park remains open, welcoming visitors and continuing to protect the resources entrusted to our care.

Following are the major actions being taken to implement the cut:

Visitor Services:

• The park's Tour Road will close to motor vehicles at 5:00 p.m. year-round, instead of remaining open until 7:00 p.m. from April 1 to September 30.

• The U.S.S. Cairo Museum will close at 5:00 p.m. year-round, instead of remaining open until 6:00 from April 1 to September 30.

• Most programs involving local schools will be suspended until further notice.

• Maintenance:

• Trash collection and exterior custodial functions will be reduced by about fifty percent.