Today, Representative Rick Larsen advocated additional clarity and communication from the United States Postal Service with regard to mail operations at the Glacier Post Office. 

The full text of Rep. Larsen's letter to Postmaster General David Steiner is available here and below. 

The Honorable David Steiner
Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260

Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

I am writing to raise concerns about the mail operations at Glacier Post Office, a Contract Postal Unit (CPU) located in Glacier, Washington. This post office is a critical lifeline for the 300 people who call this remote mountainous area in Whatcom County home. Local residents rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for their medications, ballots, paychecks, bills and other necessities.

Starting November 7, I began receiving messages from constituents that they were no longer receiving mail at the Glacier Post Office, which has been a fixture in the community for more than 100 years. Local media reported USPS stopped accepting outgoing mail at this location, sparking concern the post office could close altogether.

Closure could force many people in Glacier to travel nearly an hour round-trip to Deming for mail service. This 40-mile route traverses the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542), which can be subject to weather-related hazards like snow and ice. Glacier residents have no home mail service, and the Glacier Post Office is the community’s only connection to essential delivery services.

Since the Glacier Water District took ownership of the Glacier Post Office building in the 1970s, it has not charged USPS to operate out of it. The continuation of mail service at the Glacier Post Office is not only important for this community, but it is also cost-effective for USPS.

Many Glacier residents are rightfully concerned about their mail services and whether the post office will close permanently. I appreciate that the Postal Service has provided some indication that steps are being taken to ensure continuity of operations at the post office. However, concerns remain about a disruption in service and potential closure of the post office. My constituents deserve certainty and open communication. To that end, I request that you provide answers to the following questions no later than December 5, 2025:

1. Is USPS renewing its contract with the Glacier Water District to keep the Glacier Post Office open and operational?
2. What steps is USPS taking to ensure mail services are not disrupted in Glacier?
3. How will USPS communicate its mail service plans to Glacier residents?
4. Will USPS proactively institute new communication practices in Glacier to prevent future confusion over mail service?

Thank you for your attention to this matter. My office stands ready to assist USPS to ensure there are no further delivery disruptions in Glacier, Washington, and I look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Rick Larsen
U.S. Representative
Washington State, Second District

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