Kalispell Processing Center to be Closed

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service now plans to close its Kalispell sorting center while leaving facilities in Butte, Helena and Wolf Point open.

The agency had previously warned of impending cuts, and announced Thursday it was moving forward with the plans since Congress remains deadlocked over potential fixes.

Back in February, the agency said several other processing centers in Montana could be closed.

Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester said Thursday's announcement spares mail processing facilities in Butte, Helena and Wolf Point. The Kalispell facility and its 20 jobs are scheduled to be consolidated with Missoula beginning in 2013.

The Democrats say they will pressure the agency to reverse the decision.

The U.S. Postmaster General recently modified plans to shutter many rural post offices after visiting the town of Ingomar.