SC Nebraska News

Today, United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced that local processing operations will continue at the North Platte, NE Mail Processing and Distribution Center. The U.S. Postal Service plans to invest up to $4.4 million in modernizing the facility.

Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) expressed his approval of the decision: "I am glad to see the Postal Service no longer plans to send local mail from the North Platte facility to Denver." He emphasized that improvements should not compromise customer service but instead enhance effectiveness. Smith also urged President Trump to maintain high standards for rural delivery as efforts are made to address challenges facing the Postal Service.

Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) shared her satisfaction with the outcome: "This is wonderful news for North Platte," she said, noting that concerns about moving operations were heard and addressed. She highlighted the importance of mail processing operations for both North Platte and Nebraska.

Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) also welcomed the decision, stating: "The North Platte facility is vital for ensuring timely and reliable mail and package deliveries for communities across Nebraska." He expressed confidence in enhancing efficiency without sacrificing local services.

In February 2024, Smith had sent a letter to Postmaster General DeJoy expressing concerns over potential changes at the North Platte facility as part of USPS Mail Processing Facility Reviews. By May, DeJoy agreed to delay these changes until 2025.

Earlier this month, Smith led Nebraska colleagues in urging President Donald Trump through a letter to address USPS delivery issues in rural areas by filling vacancies on the USPS Board of Governors with individuals committed to finding solutions.

Smith's recent weekly column discussed innovation needs at USPS for maintaining timely service standards for rural Americans.