AREA MAIL PROCESSING (AMP) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Wilkes Barre, PA P&DF to Scranton, PA P&DC and Lehigh Valley, PA P&DC

Date:  3/31/09

Area Mail Processing (AMP) is the consolidation of mail processing operations from one or more postal facilities to other facilities to improve operational efficiency and/or service.

An AMP study was initiated to evaluate the transfer of mail processing operations from the Wilkes Barre, PA Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) to the Scranton, PA Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC).  During the study development it was determined that all mail processing operations, both originating and destinating, would be transferred to the Scranton, PA facility and also to the Lehigh Valley, PA P&DC.  A public meeting will be held to share the initial results of the study and allow members of the community to ask questions and provide feedback.  The public’s input will be considered prior to a final decision.  The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 pm at the Best Western Genetti Hotel & Conference Center located at 77 East Market Street, Wilkes Barre, PA.  Please note this is a change from a previously published meeting date.

The initial results of this study support the business case for consolidation.  This study is currently in review at United States Postal Service (USPS) Headquarters and the Eastern Area and is subject to change.

Below are preliminary highlights from the feasibility study:

1.	Business Case:

Proposed annual savings in the draft AMP feasibility study are approximately $3.9 million.

2.	Postal Employees:

Due to the consolidation, a net decrease of approximately 44 positions is projected.  All reassignments will be made in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.

3.	Local Customer Considerations:

Services that are currently available from the Wilkes Barre facility will continue to be available to customers.

•	Collection box pick-up times will not change as a result of the AMP.
•	Retail services will remain the same.
•	Business mail acceptance will remain the same.
•	A local postmark will be available for stamped First-Class Mail.
•	Delivery of mail to residences and businesses will not change as a result of the AMP.

4.	Business Mailers:

•	Mailers who presort mail will continue to receive applicable postage discounts.
•	Mailers who drop ship to Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) 186 can expect changes if the AMP is approved.

Comments may be sent to:

MANAGER CONSUMER AFFAIRS
1425 CROOKED HILL RD
HARRISBURG, PA  17107-9631

All comments must be postmarked by April 24, 2009.