Alaska Delegation Seeks Answers for Alaskans Affected by Knik Post Office Closure
“On behalf of the many constituents affected by this closure, we are looking for answers”
Responding to the sudden, indefinite site closure of the Knik Contract Post Office located in Wasilla, AK, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young have requested clarification and answers from the U.S. Postal Service Inspector General David Williams (see attached letter).
“It has come to our attention that the United States Postal Service (USPS) Knik Contract Postal Unit (CPU) #2, located in Wasilla, Alaska was abruptly closed without prior public notice on Friday, September 18, 2015,” the delegation wrote.
In an effort to obtain information to better assist affected residents, including details on current and future mail delivery, and the general lack of information surrounding the closure, the Congressional Delegation requested answers to the following questions:
- “When were the allegations brought to your attention? What is the standard protocol behind closing CPUs pending an investigation? How long do you anticipate the closure?”
- “Is there a reason why you did not contact affected customers, nor any member of the congressional delegation or its staff prior to the sudden closure?”
- “Currently customers with P.O. boxes at the CPU can now only receive their mail at the Wasilla Main Branch during business hours from 9am-5pm. Have you considered alternative ways for customers commuting from Anchorage, nearly 45 miles away, to get their mail?”
- “What steps is the USPS taking to ensure customers have updated information regarding the site closure and receive their mail in a timely fashion?”
In the days since the closure, Point MacKenzie and Knik area residents have expressed deep concerns. Ongoing correspondence with the USPS and the Congressional Delegation has yielded limited information, which includes arrangements for displaced customers to pick up mail at the Wasilla Main Post Office, located at 401 N. Main Street, Wasilla, from 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday. Customers may call 907-376-5327 and press 9 at the prompt for specific questions about mail pickup and delivery.
For additional information, area customers may call the Postal Services Alaska Consumer Affairs office at 907-564-2828.
