Staff Reports
GANADO, Ariz. — The Ganado Post Office officially reopened Feb. 24, with mail delivery services resuming immediately after a month-long emergency suspension. While mail delivery has restarted, the retail service window will remain closed until further notice.
The United States Postal Service initially suspended operations on Jan. 15, after the Fort Defiance Agency Regional Business Development Office determined the facility posed an unsafe working environment. During the closure, customers were redirected to the Saint Michaels Post Office, resulting in extended wait times and a significant backlog of mail.
The Ganado Post Office services a wide regional area, including Wide Ruins, Dilkon, Jeddito, and Tselani Springs.
Navajo Nation Council Delegate Vince R. James emphasized the collaborative effort behind the reopening.
“This closure impacted families across Ganado and surrounding communities who depend on timely mail for medications, financial documents, and essential services,” he said. “Through strong coordination with our chapters, federal partners, local businesses, and community members, including our veterans; we were able to restore operations quickly and responsibly. We are grateful for everyone who stepped forward to ensure mail service resumed for our people.”
Beginning Jan. 30, James initiated weekly coordination meetings with Ganado Chapter officials, neighboring chapters, USPS representatives, Fort Defiance Agency RBDO, Navajo Nation departments, and Apache County to identify a path forward. After evaluating alternative facilities that were ultimately deemed insufficient, stakeholders agreed the most feasible short-term solution was to restore the existing building to temporary safety compliance while long-term planning proceeds.
Renovation work included replacing exterior doors, installing new floor tile, repairing the roof, and addressing additional safety concerns. The flagpole at the post office was readjusted, and a local veteran donated a new American flag for the facility. Four Seasons Construction of Ganado assisted with labor, donated materials, and purchased additional gravel to level the front of the post office and improve site access. Community and agency partners also contributed to restoration efforts, including supply coverage and infrastructure repairs.
“The reopening of the Ganado Post Office reflects what is possible when our chapter houses, local partners, and federal agencies work together in a unified and coordinated manner,” Speaker Crystalyne Curley said. “I commend Delegate Vince R. James for his steady leadership and coordination with stakeholders at every level to ensure that community concerns were addressed promptly.”
James confirmed he will continue working toward a permanent solution. He is currently coordinating with the Navajo Land Department to ensure that lease agreements and Land Withdrawal processes are completed to advance the development of a new Ganado Post Office. Construction of a new facility is anticipated to start this summer pending lease approvals.
