FORT DRUM, New York (WWNY) - The North Country’s largest employer is set to stop giving out paychecks due to the federal government shutdown. Fort Drum soldiers and the civilian workforce could see a money crunch.

Fort Drum is home to more than 16,000 soldiers and 3,000 civilian workers.

Soldiers still have to show up to work, but the shutdown will prevent them from getting paid.

If a deal is reached quickly, local officials aren’t worried, but if the shutdown lingers and soldiers aren’t getting paid, the local economy could feel it too.

“When you have an installation that has a $2 billion impact to our area, having people without paychecks could take a real hit to our service industries, our retail. It could have a huge impact on small businesses, so it’s very worrisome,” said Cheryl

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