The U.S. Postal Service has bought 61 acres off Technology Boulevard in eastern Henrico County for a major distribution center.

Earl Thompson sold the land near the Qimonda semiconductor plant for $7.6 million, or $125,000 an acre.

Randy Silber, director of planning for Henrico, confirmed the plans for the site, but the county has little information beyond that. "The challenge is the federal government does not have to comply with zoning regulations and submissions of plans that the county requires of private developers," Silber said.

He said he did not know how big the facility would be or how many people would be employed there.

The deal is considered a blow to Richmond because the Brook Road office is the main distribution point for this area. In compensation, the Postal Service has agreed to upgrade some of the post offices in Richmond, Thompson said. The Brook Road office will remain open but in a limited capacity, he said.

The land purchase is near Interstates 64 and 295, providing easier highway access than the main office in Richmond.

No one could be reached late yesterday at the Postal Service for comment. CB Richard Ellis, a commercial real estate firm in Richmond, handled the deal but declined to comment. Contact Carol Hazard at (804) 775-8023 or chazard@timesdispatch.com.