Alaska’s Post Offices Are “More Than Statistics or Traffic Rates”
Murkowski Welcomes News That Fewer Alaska Post Offices Are At Risk of Closure
ANCHORAGE, AK – Senator Lisa Murkowski is pleased to announce that the United States Postal Service has confirmed they have removed all but 5 post offices from the original list of those being considered for closure in Alaska.
“I appreciate that as the post office has been running numbers to find efficiencies, it found that many post offices originally considered for closure or transformation to the Village Post Office model are more than statistics or traffic rates – they’re the focal points for many small Alaskan communities,” said Murkowski. “Everyone needs to be re-evaluating costs and services in this economic climate, but they need to do so thoughtfully. I am pleased that the Postmaster General has recognized that challenging weather conditions and lack of road and alternative access make changes to 31 of the 36 post offices on the original list unreasonable.”
The communities in which post office changes are no longer being considered are:
Aleknagik Anvik Beaver Bettles Field
Chitina Circle Clarks Point Clear
Crooked Creek Ekwok Hughes Kaltag
Karluk Kobuk Koyukuk Lake Minchumina
Levelock Manley Hot Springs Minto Nikolski
Nondalton Platinum Point Baker Red Devil
Shageluk Skwentna Sleetmute Stevens Village
Tyonek Wales White Mountain
The five post offices remaining on the list for potential closure are:
Anchorage Postal Store Fort Wainwright
Elmendorf AFB Eielson AFB
Douglas
