Postal Service could close 34 ME branches
More than 30 U.S. Postal Service branches in Maine are being eyed for closure, the postal service announced yesterday.
The USPS is studying closing about 3,700 of its branches nationwide, including 34 Maine locations, as a way to save an estimated $200 million, according to the Bangor Daily News. Many of the Maine locations under consideration for closure are in rural areas, though branches in Augusta and Portland are also on the list. In a press release, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said physical post office locations aren't as important to customers, noting that more than 35% of USPS's retail revenue comes from locations such as self-service kiosks and grocery and drug stores, as well as its website. The service has nearly 32,000 retail offices across the country, with about 420 in Maine that employ about 3,000 people. It's too soon to say how many of those jobs would be affected by potential closures, USPS Northern New England spokesman Tom Rizzo told the paper.
USPS today plans to file a request for an advisory opinion on a closure plan with the Postal Regulatory Commission. Following the commission's review, the public will be able to comment on the plan. The postal service is projected to lose $8 billion this year.
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