From DMNews.com:

Four members of Congress questioned the U.S. Postal Service's criteria and public outreach in carrying out a program that involves consolidating some mail processing operations throughout its network, according to a letter sent to the Government Accountability Office.

However, the USPS called the consolidation program vital and said that it is working to communicate the details to the public.

The March 27 letter to Comptroller General David M. Walker was signed by Sens. Susan Collins, R-ME, and Joe Lieberman, D-CT, as well as Reps. Tom Davis, R-VA, and Henry Waxman, D-CA. All four serve on committees that conduct oversight of the postal service.

The changes are part of the Evolutionary Network Development Program, which covers security, facilities, processing systems and transportation. The USPS plans to close some facilities and consolidate distribution operations.

The USPS announced plans in October to consolidate 10 plants in these areas: Bridgeport, CT; Monmouth, NJ; Pasadena, CA; Waterbury, CT; Kinston, NC; Greensburg, PA; Mojave, CA; Boston; Marysville, CA; and Olympia, WA.

"While we recognize the USPS may need to consolidate its facilities ... " the letter said, " ... we are not convinced that USPS is following the recommendations made" in the GAO's 2005 report on consolidation.