Press Release

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) and U.S. Senators Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) announced today that they have sent a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General John E. Potter urging him to keep the New Castle Mail Processing Facility open. On April 10, 2009, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that it would conduct a study to examine whether it should consolidate the New Castle Mail Processing Facility with its Pittsburgh facility.

Although Congress does not have oversight over USPS’s operational decisions, Congressman Altmire and Senators Specter and Casey are working with the New Castle community to show USPS how important it is to keep the New Castle facility open. In their letter, Altmire, Specter, and Casey stated that they believe both the New Castle and the Pittsburgh mail processing facilities are needed to ensure efficient mail delivery throughout our region.

“The New Castle Mail Processing Facility is an important asset to our community and it should be kept open,” Congressman Altmire said. “This facility employs hundreds of people and provides a vital service for local residents and businesses. I hope that after considering the negative effect that the closure of this facility would have on our local economy and on the efficiency of mail delivery throughout our region, the United States Postal Service will make the right decision and agree to keep it open.”

“It is vital that the Postal Service weigh heavily the needs and welfare of the New Castle community during their review,” Senator Specter said. “At a time when our nation faces record unemployment rates, it is vital to consider the Post Office’s importance to the community, the local economy, and efficient mail services.”

“The New Castle Mail Processing Facility provides a great service and employment to members of the New Castle community,” said Senator Casey. “I urge Postmaster General Potter to consider this as the Postal Service conducts its review of the facility. Closing the facility will negatively affect the community and its workers and in these tough economic times, we must do whatever we can to prevent it.”

Related links:

APWU: Area Mail Processing study announced [PDF]

visit website savenewcastlemail.com