WASHINGTON – The U.S Postal Service will pause the implementation of proposed changes to mail processing in Grand Forks and Bismarck until next year, according to the North Dakota’s Congressional delegation.

Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Congressman Kelly Armstrong today announced that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has agreed to pause the implementation of the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Mail Processing Facility Review (MPFR) until after Jan. 1, 2025.

“We have repeatedly outlined community concerns with the proposals and the need to make sure any processing changes actually improve mail service for customers. During the pause, we’ll continue pressing USPS to make sure any potential changes to mail processing in the future work for the local communities,” the delegation stated.

Interim results of an Office of Inspector General audit, with findings for Bismarck, Mandan and Minot, were released in March. The full districtwide audit, which will include recommendations on how to improve delivery and mail service across North Dakota, is expected to be completed in June.