Government shutdown update: Flight cancellations rise, Richmond ends utility disconnections
The City of Richmond will not disconnect utility customers or collect late fees as long as the federal government remains shut down, Mayor Danny Avula announced on Friday. The pause began on Nov. 1.
"We will maintain your connection, and we will work with you to create a payment plan," Avula said.
He spoke at a gathering of city leaders who discussed the work Richmond is going to mitigate the impacts of the government shutdown, which is now the longest in United States history.
With air traffic controllers beginning to call out, flights in and out of Richmond International Airport have also been impacted.
On Sunday, eight round-trip flights were proactively canceled. Four were to Atlanta, and four to the New York City area, with the majority of the canceled flights belonging to Delta.
Southwest Airlines saw 58% of its flights delayed out of Richmond, while the airport as a whole saw about 38% of its flights delayed.
Meanwhile, city leaders continue to plan for what happens if federal dollars remain frozen.
Friday's event with officials was held at Hillside Court, drawing attention to the potential impacts to public housing if the shutdown continues.
Avula said the city has a $4 million grant currently on hold in the housing space.
"We do need the federal government," he said. "There's no way around the significant amount of federal dollars that come in to support local needs."
SNAP food benefits are being continued through the state at the moment, with that money being distributed on a weekly basis.
State Delegates Michael Jones and Rae Cousins, as well as Sen. Lamont Bagby, attended. Jones was one of many speakers to salute the work of Feed More.
New Feed More CEO Dennis Hatchett characterized the week as "much busier than normal," and thanked the volunteers who stepped up to help distribute food.
Feed More said that visits last week were up 10.7% over previous weeks, and the group estimates that about 30,000 government workers live inside its service footprint.
Avula encouraged citizens who want to help to considering joining the city's Community Emergency Response Team, which is working to assist where needed.
RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras said the school system will continue to work to provide food to those who need it, and students and families in need can email careandsafety@rpsschools.net with any questions.
Avula said the city will continue monitoring the situation.
"The strength of our city and our region does not come from the work of any single department or organization," he said. "It comes from us."
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org. This story has been updated since its initial publication.
