Story perspectives

Tri-Cities Economy Hit Hard by Federal Shutdown

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The federal shutdown affects the Tri-Cities economy, where federal employees earn nearly $104,000 on average in Benton and Franklin counties.
The Department of Energy and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory employ over 19,000 workers, many as contractors.
Because many contractors are not direct federal employees, they are excluded from shutdown impact reports.
Essential workers, such as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at the Tri-Cities Airport, continue to work without pay.

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Story summary

The federal shutdown affects the Tri-Cities economy, where federal employees earn nearly $104,000 on average in Benton and Franklin counties.
The Department of Energy and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory employ over 19,000 workers, many as contractors.
Because many contractors are not direct federal employees, they are excluded from shutdown impact reports.
Essential workers, such as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at the Tri-Cities Airport, continue to work without pay.