(The Center Square) – U.S. Representative Joe Neguse sent a letter to the postmaster general this week opposing a proposal to move mail processing operations from the Grand Junction facility to Denver.

The proposal is part of the U.S. Postal Service’s broader national plan to reduce costs “and reverse a projected $160 billion in losses over the next 10 years.”

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Neguse represents Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes northern parts of the Western Slope – or west of the Continental Divide – and major parts of the I-70 corridor, including Vail. Grand Junction, the largest city on the state’s Western Slope, lies in the 3rd Congressional District currently represented by Representative Lauren Boebert, and its mail facility distributes across the region.

Neguse argued in a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that the proposal would “exacerbate” existing delivery issues in rural communities on the Western Slope.

“I urge you to reconsider any changes that would exacerbate mail delivery performance issues in Colorado’s Western Slope communities, as many of these communities already experience significant service problems,” Neguse wrote.

The congressman pointed out that the proposal would require moving mail from Grand Junction to Denver along I-70, which is often hampered by delays and traffic congestion.

“The proposed change to the Grand Junction facility operations, however, would require mail from Western Slope communities to be sent hundreds of miles over the Continental Divide to be processed in Denver – along highways that regularly experience closures and delays due to winter storms, wildfire, rockslides, and heavy traffic – even when its destination is on the Western Slope,” he said.

According to Neguse, the proposal “would seemingly cause major delays for many residents and businesses.”

“This is especially concerning for Coloradans who need reliable mail service to vote in elections, conduct business, pay their bills, receive medications, and stay in touch with loved ones,” he added.

USPS is also proposing moving distribution from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Denver, as well as from Casper to Billings, Montana. Those proposals are opposed by Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray.