Louisiana’s Elected Officials Want More Information On Proposed Postal Facility Closings

Senators and Congressmen across Louisiana sent a letter today requesting that the United States Postal Service (USPS) provide more detailed information on its proposal to close Processing and Distribution Centers (P&DCs) in New Orleans and Lafayette, both of which are being considered for consolidation with the Baton Rouge facility.The letter from Senators Mary L. Landrieu and David Vitter, along with Reps. Charles Boustany, Steve Scalise and Cedric Richmond to Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe also urged local stakeholders to take advantage of USPS’s request for comments on the proposed closings. There will be three formal opportunities to comment on these proposed changes in addition to the option to attend public meetings. The first such comment period lasts 30 days and follows the publication of the Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking (ANPRM) that occurred on September 21.

"We understand that the Postal Service is facing serious fiscal challenges and must take actions to improve its condition, achieve a sustainable business model, and remain competitive," the lawmakers wrote. "It is important however that USPS utilize accurate data, consider potential alternatives, and evaluate the direct and indirect economic consequences of specific changes, including consequences to USPS revenues. We are therefore encouraging stakeholders in the Greater New Orleans and Greater Lafayette areas to provide relevant information about their regional operations in response to USPS’s request for comments."