North Michigan News

Iron Mountain – Rep. Jack Bergman has sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing his concerns about proposed changes to the Iron Mountain Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC). In the letter, Bergman emphasizes the importance of maintaining local mail operations and services in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

"The Iron Mountain facility serves as a lifeline for thousands of Yoopers – many of whom are seniors or service-disabled Veterans living in rural and remote areas," Bergman wrote. He highlighted the fact that these vulnerable communities rely on the timely delivery of mail, federal benefits, and medications, and any disruptions would have catastrophic consequences.

Bergman's letter urges the USPS to consider the concerns expressed by the public during the upcoming public input meeting. He requests that the agency give these concerns, along with the ones outlined in his letter, "its full and fair consideration."

It is important to note that Rep. Bergman has been a strong advocate for USPS reform while ensuring the functionality of operations in rural and remote areas. In 2017, he voted in favor of the Postal Service Reform Act, which aimed to improve the USPS's operations and transparency. This legislation removed the USPS retirement health care prepay requirement, enrolled postal retirees in Medicare, and enhanced transparency in the postal service's operations.

The Postal Service Reform Act passed the House in February of 2022 and was signed into law in April of the same year.

The future of the Iron Mountain facility is still uncertain, but Bergman's letter emphasizes the critical role it plays in the lives of the residents in the Upper Peninsula. The USPS will have to carefully consider the potential impact of any changes on the local mail operations and services before making a final decision.