After completing a five-month long study, the United States Postal Service announced on February 23 that a move to consolidate more than 220 of its mail processing plants -- including one in Wareham -- is a necessary cost-saving measure.

The plan is contingent on the approval of changes affecting first-class mail, which would, among other things, slow mail delivery by one day. Together, the changes and consolidations will reduce the Postal Service's operating costs by $20 billion by 2015 and "return the organization to profitability," according to a United States Postal Service statement.

No consolidations will occur prior to May 15, however, as the Postal Service has an agreement with Congress to hold off on changes "to give Congress and the Administration the opportunity to enact an alternative plan," according to the statement.

The closures will occur in the spring if alternative funding cannot be found.

"To date, legislative proposals to address the financial crisis remain pending, leaving the Postal Service and the mailing industry it supports in an increasingly precarious position," officials said.

Work from Wareham's processing center would shift to a plant in Providence, R.I. Its employees, who are covered by a union contract, would have the option to apply for positions that will be created by the increased volume in Providence.

It is unclear how many employees -- if any -- will lose their jobs if the changes occur.

Citing a "financial crisis" caused by the economic recession, increased use of electronic communications, and "an obligation to pre-fund retiree benefits," postal officials announced in September that they would be exploring whether plants could be shut down without impacting service to consumers.

Of the 264 processing facilities that officials studied, six -- including one in Brockton -- will be studied further, 35 will remain open for now, and 223 will undergo consolidation, the Postal Service announced.

The Postal Service is funded fully through the sale of postage, products, and services. It receives no tax dollars.