MANATEE COUNTY - Suncoast congressman Vern Buchanan says the local economy could take a hit if the U.S. Postal Service moves some operations from the Suncoast.

They're considering consolidating some of the operations, moving jobs from the Tallevast processing facility to the facility in Tampa.  59 jobs could be lost.

In a letter Buchanan wrote to the postal service's vice president for southeast area operations, he says with the record number of foreclosures and unemployment in the area, the loss of jobs would be especially difficult.

He is urging the postal service to reject the consolidation plan.