U.S. shutdown would reduce cash flow.

Byline: Tom Bell

July 31--Like all states, Maine will face a drastic drop in critical federal funds this week if Washington can't solve the debt ceiling stalemate by Tuesday. Federal dollars that pay for highway construction, work orders at Bath Iron Works -- the state's largest employer -- and an array of health care and food assistance programs for the poor could be delayed or halted if the ceiling isn't raised. In addition, many of Maine's 14,000 federal workers could be ordered to stay home, with the exception of those whose jobs are considered vital for public safety, such as air traffic controllers at the Portland International Jetport and Coast Guard personnel. Employees of …