Here is the Press Release 2/23/2012
(ASHEVILLE, NC)
– As a result of studies begun five months ago, the Postal Service has made the
decision to move all mail processing operations from the
Asheville (NC) Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) to the Greenville
(SC) Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC). Once the transfer is
completed, the mail processing operation of Asheville P&DF will cease.
There will be no change to the Retail Unit, Business Mail Entry Unit or Vehicle
Maintenance Facility at Asheville P&DF at this time.
The Postal Service has experienced a 25 percent
decline in First-Class Mail volume since 2006, and receives no tax dollars for
its operations, relying instead on the sale of postage, postal products and
services.
“The decision
to consolidate mail processing facilities recognizes the urgent need to reduce
the size of the national mail processing network to eliminate costly
underutilized infrastructure,” said Chief Operating Officer Megan Brennan.
“Consolidating operations is necessary if the Postal Service is to remain
viable to provide mail service to the nation.”
Specific dates have not been set for the
transition. Until a specific date has been announced,
residential and business mailers will continue to be served through the current
facilities.
In December 2011, the Postal Service agreed
to impose a moratorium on closing or consolidating post offices and mail
processing facilities prior to May 15, 2012, to give Congress and the
Administration the opportunity to enact an alternative plan.
This delay was designed to allow Congress
sufficient time to enact comprehensive postal legislation. In the meantime, the
Postal Service continued all necessary steps required for the review of these
facilities, including public notifications, public input meetings and
consideration of public comments.
Implementation of this consolidation is
contingent upon the outcome of pending rulemaking for a proposal to revise
existing service standards. This announcement is provided in advance so that
appropriate planning and notification can be made in accordance with existing
employee agreements.
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