07.15.16

Hoeven: USPS Selects New, Expanded Location in Watford City

Senator Hosted Postmaster General and USPS VP to Secure Improved Services for Western ND, Arranged Tour of Potential Sites

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has selected a location for the expansion of the Watford City Post Office. The 9,000 sq. ft. building is located at 1204 4th Avenue NE and has much-needed parking space for customers and capacity for 10 postal carrier routes. Further, it will house more than 2,900 post office boxes, 16 sections of parcel lockers and two service windows. Remodeling will begin this fall, and USPS expects to have the facility fully operational in early 2017. Services at the current facility will remain the same until the new post office opens.

“Our infrastructure and public services need to have the capacity to meet the demands of our growing economy,” Hoeven said. “We have worked hard to ensure that the USPS can accommodate the needs of our residents and their businesses. This new facility is one part of those efforts and will help support Watford City’s continued growth.”

Hoeven has been working with the USPS on an ongoing basis to improve services in western North Dakota and ensure the agency can meet the needs of the region’s increased population and business activity. The senator announced USPS’ plans to expand the Watford City office in August after bringing the Postmaster General and the USPS Vice President of Western Area Operations to North Dakota to see firsthand the need for additional resources in the state’s rapidly growing communities. Hoeven’s office then facilitated a visit with USPS officials in Watford City to help identify potential sites for the post office. The selected location is approximately 2,000 sq. ft. larger than initially planned.

Hoeven has also worked with the USPS to help increase the number of postal employees in the Bakken region. The senator announced a Memorandum of Understanding between the USPS and the Rural Letter Carriers Association in 2014 to grant pay increases and bonuses to recruit and retain rural carriers in Williston, Minot, Dickinson, Watford City and most of the communities in western North Dakota.

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