IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In the wake of last night’s heated public input session regarding the United States Postal Service’s review of the Kingsford mail processing facility, Congressman Jack Bergman, representing Michigan’s 1st District and the Upper Peninsula, expressed his dissatisfaction with the proceedings.
As part of a $40 billion investment plan spearheaded by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a review is underway to improve processing and delivery services across the nation. As the Kingsford mail processing center has been selected for review, some changes have already impacted the timeliness of local mail.
Although the USPS assures that the facility will remain open and local investments will be prioritized, apprehensions persist regarding potential job, and operations relocations to Green Bay. Concerns have been voiced regarding the adverse effects of previously implemented changes in January on vital aspects of local infrastructure, such as medical examinations, delivery of medications, and the safety of drinking water across the U.P.
The mail processing facility review (MPFR) will evaluate whether it would “modernize” the facility to be more efficient, which could include the transfer of mail processing operations performed in Iron Mountain to Green Bay. It will also evaluate whether efficiency can be increased, and service improved with “modern operating strategies, equipment, and employee amenities” according to correspondence by the USPS addressing frequently asked questions.
The USPS lists specific improvements and investments to what it refers to as the Iron Mountain PD&C – which is actually the Kingsford local processing center, to include $3.9 million for a sorter and other equipment like flat sorting machines and a rover. The USPS claims improvements will result in $2.5 million in investments for modernization efforts.
The USPS anticipates investing another $6-8 million in maintenance, and says that retail will remain the same and a local postmark will still go on the mail. The USPS says after the review, it may be determined that moving some mail processing operations from Kingsford “is a good business decision.”
Reflecting on the meeting, Bergman criticized the lack of genuine dialogue, stating, “There was no listening going on the part of the presenters from the postal, corporate headquarters.” He lamented the missed opportunity for meaningful engagement with concerned citizens, noting their evident expertise and passion.
Asserting his commitment to advocating for his constituents, Bergman pledged to hold the USPS accountable. “From our office, with my role as a congressman in D.C., we are going to put the heat on,” he affirmed, adding, “And now, what we will do in detail is using the examples like you referenced with the [drinking water] samples with everything from the medical testing, whatever all the unnecessary risk that’s being assumed by this corporate-style decision.´
Drawing attention to the broader implications of USPS decisions, Bergman emphasized the importance of public service over corporate-style efficiency. “You cannot waste time, you cannot waste money or resources, and we understand that,” he remarked. “But in the end, you still have to provide the public service.”
Looking ahead, Bergman outlined plans to collaborate with state officials like Senator McBroom, and state representatives to amplify pressure on the USPS without letting things get ugly. “We’re going to lay it out like it is,” he declared. “We need the facts to be the facts, so the people can understand, and we’re going to try a little pressure tactic.”
The USPS asserts that the review allows for transparency, while protecting business-sensitive information. The Postal Service review process requires the solicitation and consideration of public comment, which includes last night’s public input meeting followed by a 15-day written comment window. Written comments can be submitted via a website for the next two weeks, and the USPS says employees, employee organizations, government officials, locals, mailers, community organizations, and the media may submit comments
The USPS says it will consider the collected comments, and a final decision on the approval or disapproval of the review proposal will be made. The Postal Service has not given a timeline as to when it will reveal the findings of the review, but states it will communicate this in the coming weeks or months.
To visit WZMQ’s previous story on the meeting, visit:
