05.13.24

ND Delegation: USPS to Pause Mail Processing Changes for Grand Forks, Bismarck Until After January 2025

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Representative Kelly Armstrong today announced that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has agreed to pause the implementation of the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Mail Processing Facility Review (MPFR), including proposed changes to processing in Grand Forks and Bismarck, until after January 1, 2025.

“We are pleased that the Postal Service has agreed to our request to pause proposals to change how mail is processed in Grand Forks and Bismarck,” said the delegation. “We have repeatedly outlined community concerns with the proposals and the need to make sure any processing changes actually improve mail service for customers. During the pause, we’ll continue pressing USPS to make sure any potential changes to mail processing in the future work for the local communities.”

The delegation has repeatedly outlined to USPS the potential impact of moving mail processing out of these local communities on timely mail delivery. Additionally, Hoeven and Cramer joined a bipartisan Senate effort last week calling on USPS to pause the MPFR and to conduct a full study on any potential MPFR changes. The full text of the senators’ letter can be read here.

This comes as part of ongoing efforts by Hoeven, Cramer and Armstrong to address concerns regarding delayed delivery of mail, packages and newspapers, as well as concerns about the proposed changes to mail processing facilities. Earlier this year, the North Dakota delegation:

  • Secured a commitment from the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its postal audit of the Minnesota-North Dakota District to include Dickinson, Grand Forks and Fargo, in addition to Bismarck, Mandan and Minot.
    • The interim results of the audit with findings for Bismarck, Mandan and Minot were released in March, and USPS OIG notified the delegation the full district-wide audit, which will include recommendations on how to improve delivery and mail service across North Dakota, is now expected to be completed in June.

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