Press Releases

Congresswoman Leger Fernández (D-NM) responded to the United States Postal Service (USPS) announcement that it has begun the search for a new location within three miles from the previous Post Office.

“Over the last year, I have heard from and worked with hundreds of Chimayo community members dedicated to restoring permanent postal services in Chimayo. Although this announcement comes way too late, I am glad USPS is finally taking concrete action to plan for a new, permanent location in the village,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández.

“But the job isn’t done yet. We will continue to push until the first letter is sent from the new Post Office. I encourage everyone to submit a comment on USPS’ proposed relocation. Your input has been, and will continue to be, invaluable,”  she concluded.

The public comment period  is now open and USPS is asking residents to submit comments on the proposal within the next 45 days to: United States Postal Service, Attn Chimayo, NM Relocation, PO BOX 27497, Greensboro, NC 27498-1103. 

Retail services will continue temporarily at the Santa Cruz NM Post Office until all necessary preparations are completed at the new location.

Background: 

The Chimayo Post Office was destroyed by a fire on February 14, 2023. 

Since the Chimayo Post Office burned down, Congresswoman Leger Fernández has repeatedly urged USPS to return operations to Chimayo. 

Last week, the Congresswoman sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to prioritize the replacement of the post office in Chimayo, New Mexico. In her letter to Postmaster General DeJoy, Congresswoman Leger Fernández requested information on the anticipated timeline and the process for establishing a new, permanent post office in Chimayo. She also asked Postmaster General DeJoy how USPS plans to communicate updates to the Chimayo community.

Read the full text of the letter HERE.

On March 13, 2023, the Congresswoman sent her first letter to Postmaster General DeJoy to raise the need to replace the post office. On May 4, 2023 she held a public meeting at the Bennie Chavez Senior Center. Shortly after, on May 23, she sent a follow up letter with Senators Heinrich and Lujan expressing concerns about the lack of a post office in Chimayo. 

During a public meeting held on December 8, 2023, in Chimayo, where Congresswoman Leger Fernández brought residents and postal patrons together to voice their frustrations and concerns, the Congresswoman pressed USPS representatives for clarity on their plans. However, no satisfactory response regarding the timeline or process for establishing a new post office was provided then or since.

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