Critz: USPS Renews Post Office Leases in Derry, East Vandergrift, New Florence and Sipesville

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) announced today that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has renewed leases for Westmoreland County Post Offices in Derry, East Vandergrift and New Florence, as well as the Sipesville Post Office in Somerset County.  Late last year, the USPS sent landlords lease termination notices for these post offices, prompting Congressman Critz to organize a signature petition drive and a letter to the Postal Regulatory Commission asked for an “immediate review” that the USPS may be using a “loophole” to close post offices in these communities.

In a May 24, 2012 response to Congressman Critz’s letter, Ruth Y. Goldway, Chairman of the US Postal Regulatory Commission wrote, “Please know that I am as concerned as you are about the potential impact on a community when a post office is closed or relocated…”  She added, “…negotiations on all four post offices had come to a close and agreements were reached for lease renewals in all four: New Florence, East Vandergrift, Derry, and as of Monday morning, Sipesville.”

“The Postal Service’s decision to reverse course and renew post office leases in Derry, East Vandergrift, New Florence and Sipesville speaks volumes to the weight that our local communities can have when they speak up and let their opinions and concerns be heard,” said Congressman Critz.  “I’m thrilled to know that these rural post offices will remain open, and I’m happy to have played a role in this decision.”