Bill Text: WV SR16 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Supporting preservation of Charleston USPS Processing and Distribution Center
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 29-5)
Status: (Passed) 2024-01-26 - Completed legislative action [SR16 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2024-SR16-Introduced.html
SENATE RESOLUTION 16
(By Senators Nelson, Takubo, Blair (Mr. President), Azinger, Barrett, Boley, Caputo, Chapman, Clements, Deeds, Grady, Hamilton, Hunt, Jeffries, Karnes, Maroney, Martin, Maynard, Oliverio, Phillips, Plymale, Queen, Roberts, Rucker, Smith, Stover, Stuart, Swope, Tarr, Taylor, Trump, Weld, Woelfel, and Woodrum)
[Introduced January 26, 2024]
Supporting the preservation of the Charleston, West Virginia, Processing and Distribution Center.
Whereas, The Charleston Processing and Distribution Center located in the Southridge development in southern Kanawha County was built in 1993 to consolidate all postal delivery services for the state of West Virginia and its 700 plus zip codes; and
Whereas, The Charleston Processing and Distribution Center plays a vital role in our community given its proximity to three major Interstate Highways I-64, I-77, and I-79; and
Whereas, The facility employs over 800 individuals, many being veterans, disabled veterans, deaf, and minorities, and provides essential jobs to support many families; and
Whereas, The facility serves as a cornerstone in delivering crucial services to seniors, disabled individuals, and local businesses; and
Whereas, The facility showed its true potential during the COVID pandemic. While many postal facilities in major cities could not process the mail, the Charleston facility remained strong showing the dedicated work ethic of West Virginians, despite losing three co-workers to the virus; and
Whereas, If needed, the facility has adequate room to expand on an additional fifteen-acre field located to the rear of the existing building, as well as available land adjacent to the facility; and
Whereas, The economic impact the facility has given to the state is immeasurable; and
Whereas, The potential consolidation of outgoing mail to Pennsylvania has the potential to delay mail to West Virginia businesses and residents, as well as seniors and disabled persons who are dependent on timely deliveries of goods and medications; and
Whereas, West Virginia’s central location and proximity to major interstates and air provides additional strengths of maintaining and possibly expanding the location; and
Whereas, The Senate urges all relevant stakeholders to collaborate in finding solutions that ensure the continued operation and success of the Charleston Processing and Distribution Center; and
Whereas, The Senate pledges to work with federal, state, and local authorities to address any challenges facing the facility and advocate for its continued presence in Kanawha County; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby supports the preservation of the Charleston, West Virginia, Processing and Distribution Center; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the importance of the facility’s job retention and economic contribution to the well-being of our state; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the facility’s significant role in providing essential services to seniors, disabled individuals, and local businesses; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Congressional delegation and the Postmaster General of the United States.
