Press Release: U.S. Geological Survey Offices in New England Secured from Closure
In a recent development, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offices in New England will remain operational, at least for the present, sparing them from a planned closure this summer. Earlier this year, the Trump administration announced a series of cost-cutting measures that included the termination of leases for several federal offices, including those in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, the General Services Administration (GSA) reversed the decision last week, enabling continued critical monitoring of ground and surface water in the region. David Boutt, a hydrogeologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, expressed relief stating, “These offices support crucial data collection activities that inform decision-making for human health and environmental protection.”
The GSA’s original list of closures also encompassed other federal properties, including three managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While some locations face uncertainty, the lease for the Northeast Region Headquarters in Hadley, Massachusetts, has not been terminated.
Despite this temporary reprieve for the USGS, budget concerns persist, as President Trump has proposed significant cuts to the USGS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Should these cuts proceed, they could severely impact conservation and research efforts throughout New England. As discussions continue, both agencies aim to work closely with GSA to ensure facility availability and efficiency in fulfilling their crucial missions.
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