01.27.14

Hoeven: Postal Service Postpones Consolidation of Minot Area Mail Processing Center

Hoeven Requests Postal Service Review of Progress in Addressing Key Challenges in Western ND

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Postal Service has postponed its scheduled second round of mail processing center closures and consolidations, meaning it has postponed consolidation of the Minot Area Mail Processing Center.

Hoeven has been working with the U.S. Postal Service to improve service in western North Dakota and to retain the Minot facility. Today, they informed him they will postpone the revised mail service standards. These changes, which were scheduled to begin to take effect on February 1, would have resulted in further consolidation of mail processing facilities across the country to reduce Postal Service costs. Hoeven said few details are available at this time, but that this indefinite delay means a future consolidation schedule could still be announced by the Postal Service. It would have to make the notice the action at least 90 days before it takes effect.

“Postponement of the Minot processing center’s closure will give us additional time to make our case, which is that the logistical and service problems resulting from closure will have a harmful impact on residents and businesses,” Hoeven said. “The rapid growth of the entire region’s economy and population warrants retaining the postal processing center. Further, while progress has been made in general service to western North Dakota, significant challenges remain and need to be addressed.”

In a letter sent to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe, Hoeven asked the agency’s top official for a report on the agency’s progress in correcting problem areas in service for western North Dakota. The areas were identified in August when Hoeven hosted Donahoe on a visit to Williston and the surrounding area, and again during a subsequent visit to the state in November by Drew Aliperto, the head of the Postal Services Western Area Operations.

Key areas of concern are:

  • Minot Area Mail Processing (AMP) Center
  • Mail Delivery to Employer Housing Units
  • Consistent Local Newspaper Delivery
  • Review of POST Plan Facility Closures & Service Reductions
  • Expansion & Relocation of Postal Facilities in Williston and Watford City
  • Mail Delivery Inconsistencies
  • Staffing & Training
  • Premium Pay for postal workers