In an effort to give local governments more control over locations of post offices, North Georgia Congressman Doug Collins has introduced the Community Post Office Act.
Republican Collins, who represents Georgia's 9th District, introduced H.R. 3333 Wednesday, June 19.
Collins said under current law, the U.S. Postal Service is required to solicit input on relocation sites from community members and local elected officials. However, Collins contends officials with the Postal Service do not consult with local governments when searching for relocation sites and that often leads to the Postal Service choosing locations that make for difficult community access.
Collins pointed specifically to the relocation of the main branch of the Gainesville Post Office.
"As cities across the country are experiencing rapid growth, post offices are struggling to remain accessible due to congestion, inadequate facilities and aging infrastructure. While it may be necessary for the Postal Service to relocate such facilities, like the Green Street Post Office in Gainesville, it is equally as critical the Postal Service take into consideration the serious community interests at stake when choosing a new facility," Collins said in a prepared statement.
"By requiring the Postal Service to receive written approval from local governments before relocating any post office, the Community Post Office Act will ensure each new facility continues to serve the needs of their community and remains accessible for future generations to come," Collins said.
Collins said he has been communicating with the Postal Service for more than two years about specific concerns related to the Green Street Post Office in Gainesville.
- In February 2018, Collins sent a letter to the Postal Service to voice support for relocating the Green Street Post Office in Gainesville and to request the Postal Service work with the City of Gainesville to find a new location.
- In March 2018, the Postal Service announced its decision to relocate the Green Street Post Office. However, Collins said the Postal Service failed to advise local officials of the contending sites and seek community feedback on those proposed sites.
- In January 2019, Collins sent a follow up letter to the Postal Service once again urging it to work with the City of Gainesville to choose a new location that will best serve the local community.
Collins said the provisions of the Community Post Office Act will help avoid situations such as the one in Gainesville by accomplishing the following:
- Provide the appropriate city, county or state government with a public list of all proposed relocation sites, including those submitted by community members and government officials;
- Seek open comment from the appropriate city, county or state government regarding potential sites for the relocated post office;
- Receive written approval from the appropriate city, county or state government that the site chosen for relocation is supported and approved by that government.
