Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) have asked Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe to reconsider plans to limit operations at some New Mexico post offices.

Under a proposal to cut costs, the Postal Service is considering reducing hours, delivering mail via rural carriers or highway contract routes, and merging offices.

An earlier version of the plan called for closing more than 50 New Mexico post offices, according to the senators.

“We were pleased to learn that The United States Post Office (USPS) reconsidered its initial plan to close over 50 post offices in New Mexico in 2011 and announced the Post Plan as an alternative,” the senators wrote. “However, we have heard from many constituents who are anxious about reduced service hours in their communities. Reductions in hours or consolidation into another nearby office can be especially hard hitting in rural areas, where customers often have to drive for miles to reach their closest post office.”

Udall and Heinrich also said they have received complaints about the accessibility of community meetings regarding the plan.

via NM senators plead, ‘Wait Mr. Postman’ – Albuquerque Business First.