Montpelier, Vermont, is set to welcome a new post office, marking a significant milestone 15 months following the severe flooding that devastated the downtown area. Officials made this announcement recently, revealing that a grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at their new address, 89 Main Street, according to a statement released by the U.S. Postal Service.
Vermont’s congressional representatives have expressed their discontent regarding the USPS and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy due to the prolonged delay in reopening the facility. In a coordinated effort, they, along with Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark, sent letters to DeJoy last week, urging the Postal Service to provide a clear timeline for the reopening of the post office in the downtown area.
“For nearly 450 days, our state’s capital has been without a working post office,” stated U.S. Senator Peter Welch during a rally attended by postal workers and community members just a week prior. He criticized the situation as “outrageous and unacceptable,” emphasizing that the USPS standards for resuming service after disasters should apply. “Seniors, families, small businesses, and postal employees all deserve more,” he added.
Attorney General Clark noted the legal responsibilities of the Postal Service when it comes to relocating, closing, or consolidating post offices, whether temporarily due to natural disasters like the flooding in July 2023 or for longer durations.
In its statement, the USPS expressed gratitude towards its customers for their understanding and patience during the process of finding a new location and preparing the new facility to accommodate the needs of Montpelier residents and businesses.
