Processing to end at 10 Pa. Postal Service sites

The U.S. Postal Service says it’s ending mail processing at 10 facilities in Pennsylvania, but isn’t setting a timetable for what it calls “contingent” changes.

The federal agency says the decision was made after a five-month study, and requires approval of new rules to revise existing service standards.

The move affects postal facilities in Altoona, Erie, Greensburg, Lancaster, New Castle, Reading, Scranton, Washington and Williamsport, as well as the Southeastern operation.

There won’t be changes to the retail, business mail entry and vehicle maintenance units at the affected sites.

The cost-savings changes are being made in response to a 25 percent decline in first-class mail since 2006.

In December, the Postal Service agreed not to close or consolidate mail processing facilities until mid-May.