SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — More than a year after Tropical Storm Helene destroyed several post offices across Western North Carolina, residents in parts of Buncombe and Madison counties remain without local mail service, though officials say progress is being made in Swannanoa.
Buncombe County Commissioner Jennifer Horton said the U.S. Postal Service has identified two potential locations for a new Swannanoa Post Office and is reviewing them. No site has been finalized, but Horton said the confirmation signals that the location selection process is actively moving forward.
Residents in Swannanoa have gone months without a local post office since flooding from Helene destroyed facilities. Service in Alexander was restored in July, nearly 10 months after the storm forced the post office there to close.
In Swannanoa, residents continue to rely on temporary solutions. A USPS collection box remains in service at 2351 U.S. 70 Highway for outgoing mail while long-term plans are developed, Horton said.
Horton also addressed recent confusion surrounding federal action related to rural post offices. She said a bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives includes language prohibiting federal funds from being used to close, consolidate or downgrade rural and small post offices. The measure also directs the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General to submit a plan within 90 days outlining how the agency intends to reopen facilities closed after Helene.
The legislation does not mandate the immediate reopening of any specific post office, Horton said, but it increases oversight and accountability while preventing future closures.
Horton credited Commissioner Al Wells and state Sen. Julie Mayfield for helping obtain updates from USPS and said she will continue to share information as it becomes available.