Priceville residents will soon have their own post office.

It will be located inside Priceville Foodland and managed by Foodland owner James “Jim” Gray under contract with the U.S. Postal Service.

Gray said he would build the post office in the front part of his store with construction beginning after July 4 holiday. The target date for opening is Labor Day.

“I’m excited,” Gray, said. “Priceville has been trying to get its own zip code for at least 15 years. To accomplish that would be like hitting a home rum. We’re not there yet, but we’ve got the bases loaded.”

Gray said the contract he has negotiated will enable him to offer customers most of the services available at post offices in Decatur, Hartselle and Somerville. They will be able to purchase stamps and money orders and mail letters and packages. Post office boxes won’t be offered.

Gray said he would operate the post office with his own employees after they have been trained by postal workers from the Decatur Post Office. The Postal Service will provide necessary equipment.

“We’re very excited about it,” said Mayor Melvin Duran,” and we appreciate the untiring efforts of Mr. Gray to bring postal services to our community. We’ve tired and tried to convince government officials that Priceville deserved a zip code and its post office and were told repeatedly that post offices were being closed instead of new ones being built. “Having a reputable businessman step up and offer to build and operate one on a contractual basis was the only way we were going to get one.”

“This is a welcome convenience and a step forward for our town and its citizens,” he added.