Collins, King, and Poliquin Announce Agreement Between USPS and Swan’s Island and Frenchboro Mail Carrier, Restoring Residents’ Access to Vital Goods and Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin announced that an agreement has been reached between the United States Postal Service (USPS) and a mail delivery person to Swan’s Island and Frenchboro.

“We are pleased that this agreement has been reached so that the citizens of these island communities can continue to receive their mail in a timely and efficient manner,” said Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin.  “Maine’s island communities face unique challenges, and it’s critical that government agencies, like USPS, work with those communities to ensure that their needs are accommodated in a way that works for everyone. We are pleased that is what ultimately happened here.”

Brian Krafjack, the owner of the Island Market & Supply (TIMS) in Swan’s Island, said, “I'd like to thank the Congressional Delegation for helping restore a service that had been provided to Swan's Island and Frenchboro for six decades.  For islands with limited populations it is critical, and just makes sense, that non-USPS cargo is allowed to be transported along with the mail by the same supplier.”

The offices of Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin have been working closely with the USPS, the towns of Swan’s Island and Frenchboro, and community leaders regarding delivery service to the islands.  In August, they sent a letter to Postmaster General Brennan to relay the concerns of island residents. The USPS ultimately considered the concerns raised by the communities and awarded a contract to Louis “L.J.” Hopkins.