The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the closure of several federal offices in Pennsylvania as part of a nationwide effort to reduce spending. The closures aim to save approximately $468 million by terminating 748 leases across the country. In the northcentral region of Pennsylvania, three offices will be closed effective immediately.
These include the State College Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, with expected savings of $45,491 and an annual lease cost of $12,131; the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, with expected savings of $823,748 and an annual lease cost of $197,699; and the Williamsport Geological Survey, with expected savings of $140,398 and an annual lease cost of $67,391. Local officials expressed uncertainty about the future of federal employees affected by these closures. Centre County Administrator John Franek said, “We do not know whether the employees will be laid off, transferred, or will now work from home offices.”
Lycoming County Commissioner Mark Mussina added, “Because that’s federal government and we’re county government, we don’t get any advanced information.
Federal office closures in Pennsylvania
We’re waiting to see where the chips fall and who’s affected.”
In addition to the northcentral region, several other offices across Pennsylvania are slated for closure, including the Philadelphia DHS United States Secret Service Office and various IRS, Office of Personnel Management, Federal Aviation Administration, and Geological Survey offices. As the state grapples with the implications of these closures, impacted communities are bracing for the ripple effects on local economies and services.
Depending on the outcomes, workers could face job displacement or relocation. The Department of Government Efficiency’s sweeping office closures mark a significant shift in federal real estate management, with Pennsylvania facing notable impacts. As local and state officials seek clarity, the affected communities are left navigating these sudden changes.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.