Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Postal Service mail-sorting center at White River Junction, Vt. will remain open, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced May 17.
The Postal Service decision to continue operating the White River Junction plant once targeted for closure is part of a new national plan by Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. The latest plan was developed after sweeping service cuts he proposed ran into widespread opposition from postal customers, businesses and members of Congress.
“This is great news for the 245 employees at the White River Junction plant and every Vermonter who relies on the Postal Service to deliver their mail on time, especially small businesses and the elderly. It shows that when unions, customers and small businesses speak out their voices can be heard and their opinions matter. This process has been a lesson in democracy at its best,” said Sanders.
The Senate on April 25 overwhelmingly passed comprehensive postal reform legislation, which Sanders helped write, that would protect dozens of processing centers, including the one in White River Junction. “I hope the House acts as quickly as possible,” Sanders said.
“I am relieved that the Postmaster General will keep the mail processing facility at White River Junction open. This facility is critical to local mail delivery standards in our area, and keeping it open is the right decision for our state and for USPS overall. The Postal Service's future must be forged through better customer service, not by endangering service and performance,” Leahy said.
"This is great news for the hard-working employees at White River Junction and all Vermonters. The Postal Service has a vital mission to serve all Americans regardless of where they live. Today's announcement reaffirms that mission, ensuring Vermonters will continue to receive reliable, timely service,” Welch said.
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