LAS CRUCES - U.S. Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, both Democrats, expressed concern Friday about a U.S. Postal Service study that looks at moving mail processing from Las Cruces to El Paso.

In a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe, Bingaman and Udall recounted trouble that occurred in 2007, when the postal service, as part of a pilot project, moved its weekend mail processing to El Paso. That change, they said, generated "numerous, regular complaints about delayed delivery, non-delivery and lost mail" that eventually forced processing to return to Las Cruces.

"While we appreciate the efforts to contain costs in this era of fiscal austerity, we are concerned that a relocation to El Paso could result in an unacceptable decrease in service and additional costs in the long run," they wrote.

Postal officials have said the study could take several months to complete. They've acknowledged the agency is looking for ways to save money in an era of sharply declining mail volume - partly due to the economy and partly due to e-mail - and high costs.

Stephen Seewoester, U.S. Postal Service spokesman in Dallas, said Friday that officials are planning a public meeting about the study in upcoming months.

"Once we have had a chance to review the issues in the senators' letter, we will respond appropriately," he said in an e-mail Friday afternoon.

A postal official has said previously that an average of 40,000 pieces of mail are processed in Las Cruces daily. In

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all, there are two postal service-run post offices and a third commercially operated post offices in the city limits, according to the agency. There are about 20 post offices in Do-a Ana County.

Bingaman and Udall said they're looking for an evaluation of what happened in 2007 and an assurance that the mail delivery problems in the past wouldn't be repeated. Also, they said they're seeking information about impacts to jobs and on the economy, if processing is moved.

After being told about the senators' letter, Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said he has similar concerns. If anything, he said, the city should remain as a processing and distribution point to anchor the southern part of the state.

"Unfortunately, we get lumped in with El Paso, but we're two different states," he said. "I think it's time they recognize Las Cruces is the city in southern New Mexico."

Miyagishima said the city council may consider taking a formal stance on the matter.

Diana M. Alba can be reached at (575) 541-5443.