SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Letters will continue to be processed at the U.S. Postal Service facility near Southridge, according to Tim Holstein, Vice President of APWU Local 133.

Back in April, it was announced the center would be turned into a local processing center , with “mail processing outgoing operations” moved to Pittsburgh and Warrendale, Pennsylvania. They said this would “result in expanded and streamlined package and mail processing and distribution capabilities for the facility.”

Now, the facility in Southridge will process letters, and priority mail — like packages — will be sorted here and then moved accordingly to Pennsylvania for processing, Holstein told 13 News.

The postal service will still invest $22.8 million into the facility, according to a press release from the USPS. Holstein said the money would be used to get new equipment, a roof, bathrooms, and lights. He also said he wants to see more expansion in the future.

Holstein said this is long-awaited news.

“This decision could not have come at a more critical time, right before the holiday season,” Holstien said. “Although there will be slight changes, the members of APWU 133 are pleased and bargaining in good faith on Postmaster Dejoy’s word. We are happy to have this cloud of uncertainty lifted from above our facility, allowing us to concentrate on getting mail processed and ready for delivery.”

Holstein told 13 News that there will be no layoffs and improved job security, as well as improved time for deliveries.

Charleston was also second in the nation in facility review comments, only outpaced by Buffalo, New York, which has a larger population than all of West Virginia.

Local and state-level politicians have been reacting to this news.

Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) said in a statement, “It never made economic sense to send our mail from Charleston to Pennsylvania and then back to West Virginia, and I commend the union for fighting for their members and all West Virginians throughout this process. I also want to thank all the West Virginians that submitted public comments and spent their Valentine’s Day at a public meeting making their voices heard.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) released a statement that said she was pleased with the plans, but the senator, “still [has] concerns that need to be addressed.”

“Not only do many West Virginians work at this facility, but others depend on it for reliable and timely mail delivery, which is why it is important that the facility is maintained with its current operations or with enhanced services,” Sen. Capito said. “As I have conveyed directly to Postmaster DeJoy throughout this entire process, I am hopeful that USPS will continue to reevaluate its future plans to better serve West Virginians.”

Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) said, “This decision ensures that West Virginians in rural areas who rely on the postal service will have quicker access to their life-saving medication and veterans who depend on the postal service will receive their hard-earned federal benefits.”

Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin also thanked Sen. Manchin (I) and Sen. Capito (R-WV), as well as APWU Local 133. In her statement, she said “They never gave up fighting to keep jobs and services locally and we all benefit from their efforts.”

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The Kanawha County Commission said they are “relieved and grateful” about USPS’ decision.

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