Congressional delegation warns of proposal to close Manchester mail facility

MANCHESTER, N.H. —New Hampshire's congressional delegation is raising the alarm about the mail and potential delays if changes under consideration are implemented.

The U.S. Postal Service is undertaking a review that could move mail processing from Manchester to Boston.

The delegation said that if that happens, all of New Hampshire's mail would have to be shipped to Boston for processing first, which they said could lead to considerable delays.

"It's critical for prescription drug deliveries, for payroll checks, for Social Security payments, and it can be especially difficult for elderly residents who live in many of our small rural communities," said U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire.

The mail is currently processed at a facility in Manchester by about 400 workers.

The delegation said the USPS has started an operations review that could lead to layoffs and mail delays. They said the process is moving too fast, with only about a month for Granite Staters to weigh in. A public hearing is scheduled for the middle of a work day, when most people can't attend.

As for the workers, the delegation said most would be forced to choose between a long and, for some, impractical commute to Boston or give up their jobs.