Postal Sorting Center To Remain In South Charleston

After months of uncertainty, the U.S. Postal Service will not downgrade its South Charleston mail processing facility.

The Postal Service’s plan to convert the Charleston processing and distribution center into a local mail sorting hub and send some of its current responsibilities, and potentially workers, to Pennsylvania, stirred anxiety among state and local leaders.

On Thursday, the news that the facility would retain its current functions came as a relief. The center will also get an investment of $22.8 million. 

U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito opposed the changes and engaged directly with the Postal Service on the issue, including Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

Kanawha County commissioners and Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin thanked the senators, as well as American Postal Workers Union Local 133.

Tim Holstein, vice president of the local and state postal workers union, said there would be some slight changes at the facility, but workers now have certainty before the holidays. 

“Congratulations, West Virginia. We won,” Holstein said.