Moyie Springs officials are optimistic that a new U.S. post office facility adjacent to City Hall could be up and running by the end of the year.

In August 2024, the U.S. Postal Service failed to reach a new lease agreement with landowner David Beagle to remain at its longtime location on Roosevelt Road, City Clerk Donna Wilson-Funkhouser said. 

Postal officials declined to comment on the lease negotiations. Beagle could not be reached. 

Although no new lease was signed, the Postal Service has continued operations at the current site while exploring relocation options. Earlier this year, the agency mailed notices to nearby residents and businesses seeking public input on the proposed move. 

“Apparently the post office didn’t want to lose it either,” said Public Works Superintendent John Nelson. “Instead of just shutting it down, they’re going through the process of finding a new place. Can you imagine if you took this post office and put it in Bonners? Bonners is busy enough.” 

After considering several offers from local landowners, the Postal Service and city officials accepted a land donation from Idaho Forest Group to develop a parcel next to the Moyie Springs City Hall.

Over the past several months, Moyie Springs, Postal Service, and IFG officials have been working to finalize a lease agreement. 

At the June 4 city council meeting, Chris Pease, IFG’s Moyie plant manager, said the company also hopes to donate lumber to construct a building that reflects the area’s character. However, the Postal Service responded that the new office must be a "compact builder or a trailer" provided by the agency. 

Still, Nelson said IFG may be able to “dress it up” to give the unit a more local look. 

At the July 9 council meeting, city officials discussed unresolved issues in the draft ground lease, particularly concerning maintenance responsibilities. While the contract states the “Postal Service shall be responsible for maintenance of the premises,” it also says the city “shall be responsible for all other maintenance.” 

"They think we're asleep at the wheel," said City Attorney Dan Featherston at the July 9 meeting.

Wilson-Funkhouser said the property survey is scheduled to be finished Aug. 1. Once that’s complete, city and Postal Service officials can sign the lease and begin construction. 

Nelson said site work, including grading and utility installation, should take only a few weeks. Once the pad is ready, setting up the modular unit will be quick. 

“If we can get the dirt moved and the site graded, they should have it up within a month — even if it’s freezing outside,” he said.