As part of a $40 billion investment strategy to upgrade and improve the Postal processing, transportation, and delivery networks, the U.S. Postal Service announced that it is conducting an evaluation of current operations and potential future uses of its Reno Processing and Distribution Center facility on Vassar Street.
The improvements for this facility will result in up to $14 million in investments for modernization efforts and deferred maintenance investments at this location.
The Initial Findings of the Mail Processing Facility Review by the USPS said retail and other services currently available will not change; business mail acceptance will remain the same; retail post offices will still use a local postmark; and delivery times to homes and businesses should not change.
However, the USPS also stated some mail processing for the Reno area might be done in West Sacramento. This could potentially add between 150 and 300 miles to the journey, and an extra day of processing before it reaches its intended recipients in town. In addition, it means there will be a much greater potential for delayed mail due to weather.
“This would mean a significant percentage of the mail collected locally will travel across the wider USPS transportation and processing network over significant distances to reach their final destinations in a more efficient manner,” USPS said. “Mail and packages destined for outside the local area may receive better service and be more cost effectively distributed by aggregating it with mail and packages from other areas going to the same places that will likewise utilize the wider postal network and be transported significant distances from where the mail originated.”
It is uncertain why the USPS decided to launch this project in a year during a general election. Concerns have been expressed across the county, including from the Washoe County Interim Registrar of Voters, Cari-Ann Burgess, who said you should *not* mail your mail-in ballot in the general election if the USPS Sacramento move is approved. She stated the USPS plan is “going to be terrible on our elections.”
The Postal Service is assessing how this facility can best support USPS service and operational goals, as well as provide platforms to launch new products and competitive services for mailing and shipping customers in the future.
- Public input will be considered as part of the review process. Members of the local community may submit initial comments through this form.
- Please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mpfr-reno-nv to submit written comments.
- All written comments must be received by February 28, 2024.
As a reminder, as we head into the general elections cycle, check that your information is current to ensure you do not have any issues when you are ready to cast your vote.