Look like the Western Slope is already on Interior’s short list for the new BLM headquarters, while Fort Collins is also under consideration for the future headquarters of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is in the state this week on business, and told Colorado Politics about the advantages of a BLM headquarters on the Western Slope, which includes closer proximity to Utah and Wyoming.
“If you’re a military commander, it makes sense to put your headquarters next to the fight,” he said.
He also noted the quality schools and affordable cost of living on the Western Slope. Although JeffCo is reportedly making a play for the BLM headquarters, Zinke didn’t mention it in his interview.
The actual list won’t be compiled for several months. This week looks more like a fact-finding, scouting trip of the state for Zinke.
Although critics of the move are hoping that a Democratic take-over of Congress in the midterm elections will knock that idea out of the park, Zinke cited support for the western move from both sides of the political aisle, including U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.
We wanted to note that for the record here, so we can hold Bennet’s feet to the fire when the actual decision is made next year.
We’ll be pleased to see the agency move anywhere out west and away from the D.C.Beltway, where it’s been operated by eastern city bureaucrats for generations.
The cherry on top, of course, would be for it to land in Colorado.