Consolidation eyed for Indiana mail centers

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The U.S. Postal Service is moving closer to making decisions on closing mail processing centers in several Indiana cities.

Proposals include shutting down the Terre Haute center and moving its work to Indianapolis and Evansville. The South Bend center work would shift to Fort Wayne.

The Postal Service estimates closing the Terre Haute center would save about $7 million a year, with the consolidation eliminating 35 jobs. An estimated $6 million would be saved by shutting down the South Bend center, with the loss of 60 jobs.

Postal Service spokeswoman Mary Dando tells the Tribune-Star that the agency is “at the brink financially” with declining mail volume.

The Fort Wayne center had been considered for closure, but Dando tells The Journal Gazette that keeping it open will be more efficient.