Congress Blocks Seven AMP Consolidations

In one of its final acts before adjourning for the year, Congress directed a halt to Area Mail Processing consolidations in seven locations and criticized the Postal Service for its handling of its network realignment effort.

The setback to the USPS infrastructure initiative is included in the FY 2008 omnibus government funding legislation, adopted by the House and Senate. The funding measure is expected to be signed by the President.

The roadblock to AMP consolidation effort is contained in the joint explanatory statement of the omnibus funding measure. Congress questioned the wisdom of further AMP consolidations, basing its judgment on Government Accountability Office testimony to Congress delivered in July, faulting AMP consolidations as based on inadequate criteria, inconsistent data and insufficient stakeholder input.

The Postal Service already has canceled scores of AMP study efforts in locations around the country over the past year.

Congress this week directed the Postal Service to suspend consolidation efforts in the following locations: Sioux City, Iowa; Aberdeen, South Dakota, Bronx, New York; Pasadena, California, Canton, Ohio; Detroit/Flint, Michigan; and Alexandria, Louisiana.

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) took credit for blocking the Sioux City AMP and Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) for stalling the Bronx consolidation.

Congress instructed USPS to hold up efforts in the seven areas until the Government Accountability Office completed in evaluations in 2008 on USPS guidance on communications with the public on AMP consolidation (due to be issued by USPS in March), and the USPS Facilities Plan, detailing overall network realignment strategy (due to be issued by USPS in June).

Congress also called upon USPS to devote greater resources to facilities improvements in Puerto Rico, as well as in Indio, California, and noted continued concerns over mail service delays in Chicago. It directed USPS to work with Chicago officials and implement management reforms to improve service and delivery.