FORKS — The state Department of Licensing offices in Forks and Port Townsend are staying open for business.

The state said in January that it planned to close 25 of the state’s 66 licensing offices in the next two years as a cost-saving measure.

Among those slated for closure were the offices in Forks and Port Townsend. Both were scheduled to be closed sometime between September and December.

After a conversation with state Department of Licensing Director Liz Luce, Forks Mayor Nedra Reed on Thursday announced Forks office at 41 Bogachiel Way will remain open.

“They’ve decided not to make any changes in the Forks office,” Reed said.

“I am just thrilled.”

Had the Forks office closed, West End residents would have faced the commute to the Port Angeles office at 228 W. First St., to conduct in-person licensing business.

Selena Davis, a spokeswoman for the state department, said Friday that the Port Townsend office, which is at 2300 S. Park Ave., will remain open also.

“We will be consolidating in urban areas, where people don’t have as far to travel,” Davis said.

The decision was reached at the end of the legislative session, Davis said.

“We reevaluated the criteria for closure. In rural areas, we’re looking for other ways to save costs.”

Had the Port Townsend office closed, customers would have had to make the trip to offices in Poulsbo or Port Angeles.

“We just took a look at our data, and realized the drive [to another office] is too far,” Davis said.

Under Gov. Chris Gregoire’s proposal, the licensing department would have put self-service kiosks in communities that were left without an office.

The department has also enhanced its online services to cut expenses.

Reed credited Luce with responding to the needs of rural residents.

The Department of Licensing operates 66 offices across the state.

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.