Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) 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. The Chimayo Post Office was destroyed by a fire on February 14, 2023.

“I remain deeply concerned that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has failed to re-establish a permanent post office in Chimayo. Further, it is incredibly frustrating that USPS has also failed to publicly communicate its commitment and timeline for a new, permanent post office with my office or the community,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “It is past time that my constituents receive your commitment to begin the process to rebuild this essential community facility,” she continued.

Despite the passage of a year since the devastating fire, USPS has yet to outline concrete plans for the re-establishment of a permanent post office in Chimayo. 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.

“Given that USPS has now terminated its lease agreement for the previous Chimayo location, when will USPS begin the process to establish a new, permanent post office?” asked Congresswoman Leger Fernández.

Finally, Congresswoman Leger Fernández emphasized the urgency of reinstating a full-service post office in Chimayo, highlighting its significance as a vital hub within the community. She called upon USPS to act swiftly and transparently in addressing the needs of Chimayo residents who have been adversely affected by the absence of essential postal services.

"It is critical that a full-service post office return to Chimayo as it is an important hub of that beautiful community," concluded Congresswoman Leger Fernández.

Background: 

Since the Chimayo Post Office burned down on February 14, 2023, Congresswoman Leger Fernández has repeatedly urged USPS to return operations to Chimayo. On March 13, 2023, she first sent a 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.

Read the full text of the letter below or HERE.

February 13, 2024

The Honorable Louis DeJoy

Postmaster General

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 10300

Washington, D.C. 20260-1000

Dear Postmaster General DeJoy:

As you know, on February 14, 2023, a devastating fire destroyed the post office in Chimayo, New Mexico. One year after this disaster, I remain deeply concerned that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has failed to re-establish a permanent post office in Chimayo. Further, it is incredibly frustrating that USPS has also failed to publicly communicate its commitment and timeline for a new, permanent post office with my office or the community. It is past time that my constituents receive your commitment to begin the process to rebuild this essential community facility. 

On December 8, 2023, I held a public meeting in Chimayo to force USPS to hear from my many constituents who have suffered from a lack of full postal services in Chimayo. Residents and postal patrons voiced their concerns about the lack of a plan of action from USPS.  Regional USPS representatives Suzy Yarbro and Rod Spurgeon said that USPS had to wait a year before USPS could move forward with a new, permanent post office in Chimayo. At that community meeting, landowners and the county officials offered locations to host a new post office, but were told no process could begin until the year passed. It’s been a year. At the one-year anniversary of the fire, we still have not heard what steps the USPS is considering or will take to re-establish a new post office in Chimayo. Please answer the following questions:

1. Given that USPS has now terminated its lease agreement for the previous Chimayo location, when will USPS begin the process to establish a new, permanent post office?
2. What is the process USPS will use to establish a new, permanent post office?
3. What is the anticipated timeline to establish a permanent post office in Chimayo?
4. How will USPS share updates on its progress to establish a permanent post office with the Chimayo community?

It is critical that a full service-post office return to Chimayo as it is an important hub of that beautiful community. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Teresa Leger Fernández 

Member of Congress 

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