S5521-118

What This Bill Does

This bill requires the United States Postal Service (USPS) to give Swanzey, New Hampshire its own unique ZIP code within 180 days of the bill becoming law. Currently, Swanzey shares a ZIP code with neighboring communities, and this bill would change that by mandating a ZIP code that applies exclusively to Swanzey.

Who Benefits and How

Residents of Swanzey, New Hampshire are the primary beneficiaries. Having a unique ZIP code strengthens the town's distinct identity, simplifies mail delivery, and can improve data accuracy for services that use ZIP codes (emergency response, census tracking, local business targeting). Residents would no longer need to explain that their mailing address differs from their actual town of residence.

Local businesses in Swanzey would benefit from clearer geographic identification, making it easier for customers to find them and for marketing materials to accurately represent their location.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The United States Postal Service bears the primary burden. USPS must:
- Designate and implement a new ZIP code within a 180-day deadline
- Update their systems, databases, and mapping tools
- Potentially reassign delivery routes and processing workflows

The administrative costs fall entirely on USPS, with no new funding provided in the bill.

Key Provisions

• Mandates USPS designate a single, unique ZIP code for Swanzey, New Hampshire
• Sets a 180-day deadline from enactment for implementation
• Requires the ZIP code to cover Swanzey "in its entirety" (no partial coverage)
• The ZIP code must apply to "only" Swanzey (not shared with other communities)