EVERETT — The U.S. Postal Service is considering shutting down an Everett mail processing and distribution center which employs 290 people and handles Whatcom County's mail.

The Postal Service announced Thursday morning, Sept. 15, that it's studying whether to consolidate its operations at 252 locations across the country, including Everett, to help combat nose-diving revenue.

Earlier this year, the Postal Service closed the Nooksack Post Office and post office boxes were moved to Everson due to decreased mail volume and budget cuts.

A closure in Everett could mean Whatcom County mail customers would see some declines in service, such as delays in postmarks or an extra day for delivery.

The Postal Service said it's studying whether to consolidate its Everett operations with Seattle. It's also looking at doing the same thing with centers in Olympia and Tacoma.

The Postal Service expects to make a decision about the Everett facility early next year.