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Security of the Mail |
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USPSNewsbreak |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 6, 2001 1 p.m. Battling on many fronts and with finances worsening, USPS remains resolute
Meeting today in Washington, the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service depicted an agency battered by uncertain economic times, under attack by terrorists and experiencing the grief of losing some of its own employees. Before a solemn moment of silence in honor of fallen postal family members, PMG Jack Potter characterized the recent experience as "the most difficult and sad times in postal history." However, he said, "Our resolve is unwavering." Potter says he is again asking the American public to help provide any relevant information that could lead to solving the case of who placed anthrax in the mailstream. Together with the FBI, the Postal Service is offering a $1 million reward. Persons offering tips about the crime should call 1-800-CRIME-TV (1-800-274-6388). Reporting on the financial condition of the Postal Service, CFO Dick Strasser noted that revenues and volumes are deteriorating. Financial projections for the current year, which had already forecast a loss of $1.4 billion, now show current losses mounting ever higher from the ongoing battle with terrorism. Revenue for the period Sept. 5 through Oct. 8 alone is $300 million under pre-Sept. 11 projections. Initial estimates of mail volumes for the period saw a decline of 1.1 billion pieces or 6.6 percent, compared to the same period a year earlier. First-Class Mail volume declined 2 percent. Priority Mail declined 15 percent and Standard Mail fell 11 percent from their levels a year ago. In spite of the distressed environment, Strasser said, expenses are below plan by $100 million. On Thursday, the Postal Service will likely request emergency funding from Congress to recover from the business impact of ongoing terrorist activity as well as the costs of sanitizing the mail and enhancing security for the national mail infrastructure. A re-broadcast of the board meeting will air at 1:30 p.m. today and will be broadcast continually through tomorrow. ### |