The U.S. Postal Service’s Charleston Processing & Distribution Center "will continue certain local originating mail processing operations," according to a press release.
The Postal Service had previously announced it would be transferring the Charleston facility's outgoing mail processing operations to three facilities in Pittsburgh starting in 2025.
The Charleston facility, which employs about 800 people, will undergo more than $22 million worth of renovations and upgrades. This will "result in expanded and streamlined package and mail processing and distribution capabilities" for the facility.
The upgrades include $10.8 million for modernization efforts and deferred maintenance, such as new lighting and renovated bathrooms and breakrooms, and $7 million for new mail and package sorting equipment.
Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., issued a statement praising the decision.
"I am pleased to report that the Charleston Processing and Distribution Center will no longer transition into a local processing center and will receive the millions of dollars needed to better meet the demands of our community," he said.
"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."
The decision is "tremendous news," said Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin.
"This is an essential service for everyone in our region and will provide job security to hundreds in our community," she said.
Goodwin lauded the efforts of American Postal Workers Union Local 133.
The union filed suit against USPS in January, claiming the USPS did not hold a mandated public meeting to discuss the future of the Charleston facility, as per USPS rules.
"They never gave up fighting to keep jobs and services locally and we all benefit from their efforts," Goodwin said.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. said the decision was a "win for West Virginia’s mail service," but noted she 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," 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.”
The USPS announced it would be relocating the Charleston facility's operations to Pennsylvania last year, which drew an outcry from numerous West Virginia officials.
Officials noted the move would likely have negative impacts on older residents and veterans who rely on timely postal services for deliveries of medications and/or federal benefits.
West Virginia ranks third in the country for percentage of population age 65 or older, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The state has more than 130,000 residents who are veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.