Mr. Patrick R. Donahoe

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, D.C. 20260-2202

Dear Postmaster Donahoe:

I write to respond to a letter sent to my office by the United States Postal Service regarding a study of the Gary Processing and Distribution Center in Gary, Indiana.  I wish to express my strong support for keeping this facility open and my opposition to the consolidation of its operations elsewhere.

As a reliable local employer, the Gary Processing and Distribution Center is a critical component of the economy in the City of Gary and for the greater Northwest Indiana community.  The Gary facility serves as the distribution center for not only its own neighborhood, but many suburban and rural areas in our region, all of which need efficient, timely mail service.  I am greatly concerned that this service will be impeded should the United States Postal Service decide to consolidate the facility.  Furthermore, I am confident that public input and comments will confirm the vital role that the Gary Processing and Distribution Center plays in surrounding communities.

Please do not to hesitate to contact me personally, or feel free to have the appropriate member of your staff contact my Chief of Staff, Mark Lopez, in my Merrillville Office at 219-795-1844, if you are in need of additional information.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Visclosky

Member of Congress

Cc: Mr. E. Lynn Smith, District Manager, Greater Indiana District