January 12, 2012

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza

Washington, DC  20260

Dear Mr. Donahoe:

The United States Postal Service has announced a list of proposed postal facilities that will be closed.  Consistent with the advisory commission opinion as set forth in 39 U.S.C. 3661, the Postal Service published proposed rules in the Federal Register on March 31, 2011 (76 FR 17794).

It is our understanding that the USPS facility (#SM-5) located in the sub-basement of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC is on an internal USPS list of facilities that are slated for closure.  

We, the undersigned petitioners, do hereby request that the USPS reconsider the decision to close the USPS facility located in the sub-basement of USDA.  The facility is a vital part of the employees and contractors lives that we have come to depend on, whether we are purchasing stamps, buying money orders or mailing packages.  The facility is strategically located in the sub-basement, where other employee services, e.g., the Credit Union, barbershop,  office supply facility, weekly vendors, etc. 

The closure of the facility will result in lost employee productivity as the nearest USPS facility is several blocks away.  Moreover, our local post offices have in many instances, reduced their operating hours and visiting the facility after hours is not an option for most of us.  By having the USPS facility on the premises, it boosts employee productivity.  In addition, the facility has courteous and friendly personnel to assist us.

We, the undersigned strongly encourage you to reverse the internal decision to close the USPS facility located at USDA.

cc:       The Honorable Tom Vilsack

            Secretary of Agriculture

            1400 Independence Ave, SW

            Washington, DC  20250