The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently terminated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office lease in Fairhope, Alabama.
The lease, covering a 5,132 square foot space, had an annual cost of $176,859. The termination is effective as of March 3, 2025, and is projected to save taxpayers approximately $707,922. The decision to terminate the lease is part of DOGE’s stated goal to reduce government expenses.
According to DOGE, the decision is in line with its nationwide initiative to reassess the use of federal properties, focusing on maximizing efficiency and cutting unnecessary expenditures. The office in Fairhope is among several Alabama properties affected by DOGE’s ongoing efforts.
In Alabama, DOGE initially reported the termination of leases for 20 buildings, but recent updates indicate that 15 leases have been terminated, resulting in a total savings of $3,472,138. While some buildings have been removed from the termination list, including the Office of the U.S. Attorney in Montgomery, three new properties were added. These include the Fairhope office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration building in Mobile (2,662 sq. ft., valued at $722,044), and the Farm Service Agency in Montgomery (30,881 sq. ft., valued at $608,234).
The DOGE real estate termination project in Alabama has encompassed various federal buildings across the state. Other notable lease terminations include the Social Security Administration office in Anniston, the National Labor Relations Board office in Birmingham, and the Mine Safety Health Administration office, also in Birmingham. The termination of these leases has contributed to a cumulative savings of over $3 million in Alabama alone.
Nationally, DOGE has terminated leases for 657 federal properties, with reported savings reaching approximately $350 million. The agency’s efforts to reduce government costs have been ongoing since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term in office.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated that it remains committed to serving communities and conservation partners despite the closure of the Fairhope office. The agency continues to collaborate with the General Services Administration (GSA) to find alternative solutions that align with its mission. Further updates on the office closures and lease terminations are expected as the process continues.
For more detailed and up-to-date information, please visit DOGE’s official website, which maintains a comprehensive list of terminated leases and associated savings.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
