Wyoming and South Dakota have escaped the list of United States Post Office branches considered for closure. Originally more than a thousand locations were listed to be shut down but a new list released last week shows less than 700 and postal officials have said the final number may be closer to 200. According to the United States Postal Service, mail volume will drop by as much as 20 billion pieces this year compared to last year. The agency is forecasting a $7 billion loss when its fiscal year ends September 30th.

The closing of postal facilities is one of the several cost-cutting moves under consideration.Others include a plan to cut up to 30,000 employees and go to a 5-day a week delivery system.

Lindsay Kruger