WAITE PARK — The U.S. Postal Service is going ahead with plans to close four mail processing centers in Minnesota.

It’s part of a move to close 82 centers nationwide to save $750 million a year. The Minnesota locations are in Bemidji, Duluth, Mankato and Waite Park. The work will be consolidated in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Pete Nowacki, a Minneapolis spokesman for the USPS, said little information is available beyond the general announcement. He said they don’t know how many positions will be affected, but the plan will start taking effect next year.

U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., asked the Postal Service Wednesday to reconsider, saying they’ll harm the four communities and add to delivery times.

The Postal Service announced the potential for closures two years ago.