Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis Dejoy of the United States Postal Service (USPS) seeking an update on the status of the Post Office in Baring, Mo., after it was destroyed by a tornado on August 4, 2023.
"Losing a functioning Post Office is more than an inconvenience for Baring’s citizens. They risk losing access to reliable medical delivery, payment disbursements, and indispensable communications," wrote Senator Hawley.
He continued, "United States Postal Service (USPS) should prioritize rebuilding this critical infrastructure as soon as possible to ensure the people of Baring promptly regain access to deliveries and other vital services that they depend on."
Read the full letter here or below.
September 6, 2023
The Honorable Louis Dejoy
Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20024
Dear Postmaster General Dejoy,
I write to urge you to immediately address the closure of the Post Office in Baring, Missouri, which was recently damaged by a tornado. United States Postal Service (USPS) should prioritize rebuilding this critical infrastructure as soon as possible to ensure the people of Baring promptly regain access to deliveries and other vital services that they depend on.
On August 4, 2023, Knox County was struck by an EF-2 tornado. According to reports, this natural disaster affected local businesses, damaged 62 homes, and almost completely destroyed Baring’s Post Office building. The tornado removed the building’s roof and several walls; it has now been deemed inoperative. According to a recent USPS press release, mail operations at the facility will be suspended. Encouragingly, it appears that some deliveries will be rerouted to the Edina Post Office for P.O. Box customers. While this is a helpful remedy for some residents, USPS must promptly restore normal operations and services to the area.
Losing a functioning Post Office is more than an inconvenience for Baring’s citizens. They risk losing access to reliable medical delivery, payment disbursements, and indispensable communications. I therefore urge you to rebuild the Post Office, resume normal deliveries, and initiate a public awareness campaign, in coordination with local officials, to make sure Baring residents are informed of the remedial steps your agency is taking.
As a Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I know the important work that USPS performs on a daily basis for millions of Americans. I am also committed to making sure that the committee oversees how USPS ensures services for rural residents following natural disasters, like this one. I am therefore also requesting regular updates on the reconstruction of the Baring Post Office building so that, together, we can ensure that Baring residents are served by USPS.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Josh Hawley
United States Senator