15 months after flood, USPS opens new Montpelier Post Office

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - Fifteen months after devastating flooding in downtown Montpelier, The U.S. Postal Service on Monday officially opened a replacement post office.

The new office at 89 Main St. takes the place of the former post office that closed after flood waters inundated the Federal Building, one of the few structures that remain closed following the July 2023 storm.

City and state leaders have criticized the USPS for both delays in opening a replacement facility in the state's capital as well as a lack of transparency about the process. Senator Peter Welch last week called the situation "inexcusable."

"We thank our loyal customers for their patience as we underwent the process of seeking out a new location after last year's flooding and building out our new space to best suit the needs of our Montpelier residents and businesses. We look forward to serving our downtown Montpelier community and being your shipper of choice for generations to come," USPS officials said in a statement announcing the opening.

While the facility had a "soft opening," Monday, a grand reopening celebration is set for Saturday starting at 9 a.m.