The House of Representatives passed a bill co-sponsored by Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point) that would provide unique zip codes to many local communities throughout the country, including the East End communities of Northampton, Flanders and Riverside.
The bill was introduced by Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado). Other co-sponsors included Morgan Griffith (R-Virginia), Byron Donalds (R-Florida), Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Bryan Steil (R-Wisconsin).
The Zip Code system was instituted in America in the 1960s. The Postal Service utilizes the zip code system to deliver mail, but it is also heavily used and relied on by economic developers, insurers and emergency personnel amongst others.
Communities that do not have a unique Zip Code often experience associated problems that include: loss of economic development, loss of sales tax, unjustifiably high insurance rates, tax remittance and commercial licensing issues, diminished public safety and reduced emergency response times, identity issues, and efficiency issues. For example, first responders often go to the wrong streets and people needing help experience delays due to Zip Code issues that would be addressed by this legislation.
Small towns and cities can petition the Postal Service for a new Zip Code but it is rarely approved and if it is denied they cannot appeal this decision for up to 10 years. Congress has intervened on these matters and last passed a law enacting four new Zip Codes through the Post Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. LaLota said the three communities in his district have been fighting for this fix for over a decade.
“The passage of today’s bill moves the communities of Riverside, Northampton, and Flanders closer to achieving long-overdue fairness,” said LaLota. “For far too long, residents of these communities have faced unnecessary hardships due to the absence of unique ZIP Codes —resulting in misdelivered mail, delayed medications, and lost packages. This simple yet impactful change will greatly enhance postal reliability and everyday convenience. I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring every Long Islander receives the resources, services, and recognition they deserve.”