Downtown Davis Post Office Could Close

The United States Postal Service has serious money problems.

The cash-strapped agency, which lost $8 billion last year, has launched a study of up to 3,700 locations for possible closure. 

They announced the possible closures this morning, and the downtown Davis location was on the list. 

The U.S. Postal Service is the largest retail network in the country, but the need for physical storefronts has diminished as new technologies have changed customers’ habits. Not only does correspondence increasingly take place online, but also many grocery stores and retail outlets carry post office products.

“Today, more than 35 percent of the Postal Service’s retail revenue comes from expanded access locations such as grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, retail chains, self-service kiosks, ATMs and usps.com,” said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe.

Davis Patch recently asked users about the .

“I still use the post office, only once in a while, but we still need ‘em,” said commenter Lyle Miller. “I think mail delivery will soon be just 3 days/week as the Internet & online banking/bill pay becomes more popular.”

It’s not yet known which locations will actually end up closing, but Davis Patch will follow as the study as it is conducted.

The fact that the Davis location is under review doesn't necessarily mean it will close. Once the office is served, they will have 60 days to file their comments. If the office is closed, an appeal process will follow. 

Offices that close will be replaced by so-called Village Post Offices, which are operated by local grocery stores, pharmacies and other retailers. They would sell postal products and offer flat-rate packaging.

“The Postal Service of the future will be smaller, leaner and more competitive,” said Donahoe.

The Huffington Post contributed to this report.