Business

The immediate local effects of the government shutdown

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The government shutdown will have an immediate impact on some programs in Massachusetts.

The national parks, museums, and NASA are closed down. There might also be delays receiving passports, gun permits, or loan applications. First-time home buyers trying to get government-backed mortgages may see a delay.

Locally, city and state services shouldn't feel much of an impact, but tourists might notice the Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord is closed, as well as the Faneuil Hall Visitors Center, the U.S.S. Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.

There will also be no guided tours along the Freedom Trail.

Last week, officials with the National Park Service estimated that more than 100 park rangers and administrative employees in Boston alone would be furloughed without pay if Congress was unable to reach a budget deal that averted a shutdown.

Most key government services will not be affected. The U.S. military continues to operate and the Post Office is open. Air traffic control towers are open and Medicare or other social services will still be provided.

The John J. Moakley Federal Courthouse in South Boston is expected to remain open for a few weeks, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.

All eyes will be on the stock exchange Tuesday to see how the markets react. The exchange was down Monday as the countdown closed in.