Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) at a Meetig on Maine Vet Homelessness at Hanaford Hall, USM, Portland, Several Years Ago.
Maine’s Congresstional Delegation is calling on the US Postal Service (USPS) to immediately resolve its payment issue with a Maine contractor that serves island communities. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, the Maine Delegation condemned USPS for faling to pay the Rockland-based Penobsccot Island Air (PIA) more than $349,000 for mail-delivery service and demanded answers about why USPS has, according to PIA, repeatedly failed to make timely payments for several years. After PIA announced it would make its scheduled deliveries on Tuesday in protest, USPS agreed Wednesday to immediately pay 25% of the outstanding balance, and PIA promptly resumed service. But questions and concerns still remain according to a press release received from Congresswoman Chellie PIngree’s (D-ME) office this afternoon.
“For decades Penobscot Island Air has helped the USPS deliver essential mail to Maine’s island residents. We urge you to immdiaely resolve the oudtstanding back payments and provide clarification on how these payment lapses occurred, as well as how delays can be prevened in the future,” the delegation wrote. “From Matinicus to Vinalhaven, island communities in Maine rely on the USPS to pay bills, receive life-saving medications, and stay connected with friends and family. Penobscot Island A ir is an indispensable bridge between the mainland and islands that helps the POstal Service fulfill is promise of reaching every American, even in the most rural communities.”
USPS’s failure to pay PIA is the latest example of recent disruptions to mail delivery in Maine. Over the pas several months, delegation offices have received hundreds of complaints from consitituents about delayed and inconsistent deliveries — particularly in rural communities.
Together, these issues underscore the importancs of ensuring tha USPS has the necessary resources and staff to fulfill its mission of providing all Ameircans with reliable, afordable and universal mail service — and that its agreements with contractors like PIA are fully honored.