Moab may lose two major federal offices due to a new government plan to cut costs. A directive from the Department of Government Efficiency—an entity created by the White House and headed by Elon Musk—seeks to end almost 750 federal land leases nationwide.
Among the offices slated to have their leases ended are the National Park Service headquarters on Resource Boulevard and the U.S. Geological Survey office at 123 W. 200 South. An NPS office in Monticello is also listed to forgo renewing its lease.
If the Moab offices shut down, it could affect many local employees who help manage national parks and public lands—following controversial job cuts that have sparked protests nationwide, including in Grand County.
At the March 4 Grand County Commission meeting, a representative of U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy acknowledged that such closures can be devastating for rural communities.
A representative for Senator John Curtis also acknowledged concerns about job reductions, stating that the senator is aware of the critical jobs that ought to be maintained and that the cuts should be surgical rather than a broad “meat cleaver” approach.
The Grand County Commission approved a letter to federal elected officials stating, in part:
“We hope our representatives understand the value of the people who have dedicated their lives to managing, protecting, promoting, and sustaining this invaluable resource… They are friends, family, neighbors, and one of the many pieces of fabric that make us who we are.”
This move is part of a larger federal push to shrink office space and reduce costs. Across the country, many federal offices—including IRS help centers and U.S. Attorney offices—are facing similar closures.
Note: The information regarding the closure of the NPS and USGS offices in Moab is based on current lease termination plans. Plans are subject to change.
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