USPS to invest $4 million to ‘modernize’ Columbia processing facility

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The United States Postal Service announced in a Thursday press release that it will invest up to $4 million to “modernize” the Columbia Processing and Distribution Center.

The release states that this is part of a 10-year plan to improve delivery and a total $40 billion will be spent nationwide for improvements. The announcement comes a review of the facilities were conducted last year.

The release states the Columbia and St. Louis processing facilities will be “critical nodes” and that no “career employee layoffs” will occur. However, the release stated that some other positions will be moved from Columbia to St. Louis, including three management positions and 19 craft positions.

“The improvements for the Columbia facility will result in up to $4 million in investments for modernization efforts and deferred maintenance,” the release states. “These investments will result in expanded and streamlined package processing and distribution capabilities in the local market and new workplace amenities for USPS employees such as new lighting, as well as renovated bathrooms and breakrooms.”

The release states that USPS is aiming to hit 95% on-time delivery nationwide.

“Once changes are implemented, Business mail entry, Post Office, station and branch retail services are not expected to change, and delivery services will be enhanced," the release says. "It is also anticipated that the Columbia facility will maintain the following destinating operations once converted to the LPC (Local Processing Center):"

• Destinating packages
• Destinating letters and flats
• Manual letters and flats
• Express
• Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU)