MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – It’s been almost nine months since Montpelier was hit by flooding that inundated the downtown, shuttering most businesses, including the Federal Building housing the former post office. Now, The U.S. Postal Service says they finally have a plan to reopen, albeit in a new location.
Months after July’s flooding devastated the Capital City, the post office in Montpelier remains closed. Mayor Jack McCullough says its been more than an inconvenience “It’s been a serious problem,” he said.
With the Federal Building closed, people have had to go to neighboring towns to send parcels or pick up mail.
“it seems very confusing on why they haven’t prioritized reopening it,” said Sydonia Axis, who works in Montpelier.
“There’s been no replacement. So yeah, it’s been an inconvenience,” said Shannon Varley.
But McCullough says that could soon change. “We are thinking by the summer the retail place for the post office is going to be at the City Center,” he said.
The mayor says over 80% of the downtown businesses impacted by the July 11 flood have reopened and more are expected to reopen next week, but questions remain about why the Federal Building has not followed suit. “What I have heard is that GSA is looking to be sure that the building has structural integrity to reoccupy the space,” McCullough said.
Contractors were going in and out of the building on Tuesday. A spokesman for the U.S. General Services Administration says it’s taken so long to repair because the building’s basement and first floor experienced major flooding. “The stabilization of the building will continue into late 2024. Further investigation is required to identify additional issues and determine the extent of necessary repairs. The building is currently closed to the public and employees and will remain so through the stabilization process,” the GSA said in a statement.
While the future of the building remains uncertain, the mayor says it’s a milestone that the post office will finally be returning. “The post office reopening is a real sign of the city coming back,” he said.
USPS officials hope to have the City Center location at 89 Main St. up and running by the summer months.