Shimkus & Costello Send Letter to Postal Service Objecting to Closing of Processing Centers

SHIMKUS & COSTELLO SEND LETTER TO POSTAL SERVICE OBJECTING TO CLOSING OF PROCESSING CENTERS

Washington, DC….Congressmen John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) and Jerry Costello (D, Illinois-12) have sent a joint letter to the United States Postal Service regarding the possible "consolidation" of the Centralia and Carbondale mail processing centers into the St. Louis distribution center.

The letter states: "After discussing a possible consolidation, we have determined that such a proposal would have a negative impact on Southern Illinois."

The Congressmen point out the reliance in more rural areas on traditional mail service "due to the lack of access to other forms of communication and technology. As a result, they rely on the Centralia and Carbondale mail processing centers to handle postal mail in a timely fashion.

"Further, it is our view that this current proposal would create more hardships for Southern Illinois by decreasing the number of postal employees in our area while also slowing the overall delivery time of mail designated for towns in our districts."

The letter summarizes, "…we strongly oppose any consolidation proposal that would cut postal jobs and provide less efficient services to our communities and constituents."

Costello said, ""Mail delivery is an important aspect of the regional economy and we feel it is important to make our concerns known early in this process."

Shimkus stated, "While the Postal Service operates independently of the federal government, we must express our displeasure when they make proposals that will harm our region."

The Postal Service has not indicated when they will make a final determination.

http://www.house.gov/shimkus/press/propposepostalclosings0106.htm