Central South Dakota News

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) led a letter with Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to avoid downsizing or significantly reorganizing mail processing operations in South Dakota.

As part of its Delivering for America plan, the USPS is reviewing every processing and distribution center in the nation to offset deficits. The Dakota Central processing and distribution center in Huron faced the possibility of all non-local mail processing being moved to Fargo, North Dakota. The delegation expressed their concerns in a letter, stating, "We share your belief that all Americans deserve the U.S. Postal Service's highest service standards."

The delegation also highlighted the potential impact on rural areas, stating, "We believe that further curtailment of processing operations in South Dakota could yield additional delays and costs." They emphasized the importance of maintaining service standards for rural and highly rural populations in South Dakota, considering the adverse effects of rerouting mail out of state.

In their letter, the delegation urged the USPS to consider the specific effects on rural areas before downsizing or reorganizing processing operations. They emphasized the USPS's universal service obligation to provide effective and regular postal services to rural areas.

The delegation requested a response from the USPS by May 1, 2024, addressing their concerns and emphasizing the importance of maintaining mail processing operations in South Dakota to avoid disruptions for rural towns, small communities, and tribal nations across the state.