National Archives’ Seattle office expected to close, prompting backlash

SEATTLE — The National Archives and Records Administration facility in Seattle has been approved for closure, the organization announced Monday, prompting backlash across the region.

The sale was approved by the Office of Management and Budget. The NARA said that the specific date has not been set for the closure, but the sale is expected to take around 18 months. It also said that they requested to stay in the building for an additional three years.

>> Read the press release from the National Archives and Records Administration here

The Seattle branch maintains and provides access to permanent records created by federal agencies and courts in Washington as well as Alaska, Oregon and Idago.

In response, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, along with a group of colleagues, sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requesting the facility stay open.

“Trying to move these articles from the region with their historic content just shows an absolute disregard for the importance of them and their significance to our region,” Cantwell said.

Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman also released a statement.

“My staff and I are ready and willing to work with our congressional delegation, National Archives, and the historical records community to discuss alternative solutions to the closure of this facility for the continued regional access and storage of these important documents.”

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