[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 188 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50185-50189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-24103]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Weather Service Modernization and Associated 
Restructuring

ACTION: Notice and opportunity for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The National Weather Service (NWS) is publishing proposed 
certifications to consolidate the:

(1) Residual New Orleans Weather Service Office (WSO) into the future 

[[Page 50186]]
New Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Forecast Office (WFO);
(2) Residual Tulsa WSO into the future Tulsa WFO;
(3) Residual Oklahoma City WSO into the future Oklahoma City WFO; and
(4) Residual Phoenix WSO into the future Phoenix WFO.

    In accordance with Public Law 102-567, the public will have 60 days 
in which to comment on these proposed certifications.

DATES: Comments are requested by November 27, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the proposed consolidation packages 
can be sent to Janet Gilmer, Room 12316, 1325 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, Maryland 20910, telephone 301-713-0276. All comments should be 
sent to Janet Gilmer at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Scanlon at 301-713-1413.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NWS anticipates consolidating:

(1) The residual New Orleans WSO with the future New Orleans/Baton 
Rouge WFO;
(2) The residual Tulsa WSO with the future Tulsa WFO;
(3) The residual Oklahoma City WSO with the future Oklahoma City WFO; 
and
(4) The residual Phoenix WSO with the future Phoenix WFO.

    In accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567, the Secretary 
of Commerce must certify that these consolidations will not result in 
any degradation of service to the affected areas of responsibility and 
must publish the proposed consolidation certifications in the FR. The 
documentation supporting each proposed certification includes the 
following:
    (1) A draft memorandum by the Meteorologist in Charge recommending 
the certification, the final of which will be endorsed by the Regional 
Director and the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services after 
consideration of public comments and completion of consultation with 
the Modernization Transition Committee (the Committee);
    (2) A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns which affect the weather services provided within the 
service area;
    (3) A comparison of the services provided within the service area 
and the services to be provided after such action;
    (4) A description of any recent or expected modernization of NWS 
operation which will enhance services in the service area;
    (5) An identification of any area within the affected service area 
which would not receive coverage (at an elevation of 10,000 feet) by 
the next generation weather radar network;
    (6) Evidence, based upon operational demonstration of modernized 
NWS operations, which was considered in reaching the conclusion that no 
degradation in service will result from such action including the WSR-
88D Radar Commissioning Report, User Confirmation of Services Report, 
and the Decommissioning Readiness Report; and
    (7) A letter appointing the Liaison Officer.
    These proposed certifications do not include any report of the 
Committee which could be submitted in accordance with sections 
706(b)(6) and 707 of Public Law 102-567. At its September 
14, 1995, meeting, the Committee concluded that the information 
presented did not reveal any potential degradation of service at any 
office and decided not to issue any report. The Committee did offer a 
recommendation on these proposed certifications, which is attached to 
this notice.
    Documentation supporting the proposed certifications is too 
voluminous to publish in its entirety. Copies of the supporting 
documentation can be obtained through the contact listed above.
    Attached to this Notice are:
    (1) Draft memoranda by the respective Meteorologists in Charge 
recommending the certifications, and
    (2) The Committee's recommendation on these proposed 
certifications.
    Once all public comments have been received and considered, the NWS 
will complete consultation with the Committee and determine whether to 
proceed with the final certifications. If decisions to certify are 
made, the Secretary of Commerce must publish the final certifications 
in the FR and transmit the certifications to the appropriate 
congressional committees prior to consolidating the offices.
Elbert W. Friday, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.

Modernization Transition Committee

Completion of Initial Consultation on Proposed Consolidation for 
Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Tulsa and New Orleans

    The Modernization Transition Committee (MTC) has reviewed the 
proposed consolidation certifications for Oklahoma City, Phoenix, 
Tulsa, and New Orleans and has determined that these actions will 
not result in degradation of services. We request documentation that 
all identified work-arounds have been adequately addressed prior to 
final certification.
    In addition, the committee makes the following observations and 
recommendations to further enhance service to emergency management 
personnel throughout the nation:
    (1) The National Weather Service Modernization Transition 
Committee has reviewed a number of comments from local emergency 
management personnel concerning the availability of weather 
information. These comments have included references to not 
understanding the information now available, and not being able to 
afford the corresponding cost.
    Although these issues are beyond the purview of this Committee 
we are concerned with the issues behind these complaints. We feel 
that every emergency management office should have access to 
appropriate weather information, regardless of the size and 
financial condition of the community. Therefore, we urge the 
National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency and 
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to address these issues 
as part of their joint project addressing weather information needs 
of the emergency management community.

    Dated: September 14, 1995.
Peter R. Leavitt,
Chair, Modernization Transition Committee.
Memorandum for: Harry S. Hassel, Director, W/SR
From: Paul S. Trotter, MIC/AM, NWSFO LIX
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification

    A change of operations occurred at the New Orleans Weather 
Service Forecast Office (WSFO) in February, 1994, when most 
personnel were transferred to the facility of the future New 
Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Slidell, 
Louisiana, to operate the WSR-88D and assume forecast and warning 
responsibility for the New Orleans/ Baton Rouge service area. At the 
same time, this office has been designated a Residual Weather 
Service Office (RWSO) at the original WSFO location to continue 
operating the existing WSR-57 radar.
    After the review of the attached documentation and in my 
professional judgement, I have determined that consolidation of the 
old New Orleans Weather Service Forecast Office with the new 
modernized New Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Service Forecast Office 
will not result in any degradation in weather services to the New 
Orleans service area. This proposed certification is in accordance 
with the advance announcement provided in the National 
Implementation Plan. I am requesting your recommendation and 
approval of the certification in accordance with Section 706 of 
Public Law 102-567. If you concur with this action, please endorse 
this recommendation and forward this package to the Assistant 
Administrator for Weather Services for final certification. If Dr. 
Friday, Assistant Administrator for Weather Services, approves, he 
will forward the certification to the Secretary of Commerce for 
approval and transmittal to Congress.
    My recommendation is based on my review of the evidence and 
application of the modernization criteria noted for consolidation of 
a field office.

[[Page 50187]]

    In summary:
    1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the New 
Orleans service area is included as attachment A. As discussed 
below, I find that providing services which address these factors 
and concerns from the New Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Service 
Forecast Office will not degrade these services.
    2. A list of services currently provided within the New Orleans 
service area from the old New Orleans site and services to be 
provided from the new New Orleans/Baton Rouge location after 
consolidation is included in attachment B. Comparison of these 
services shows all current services provided will continue after the 
proposed consolidation. The enclosed map shows the old New Orleans 
Area of Responsibility and the new New Orleans/Baton Rouge Area of 
Responsibility. As noted below, I find that there will be no 
degradation in the quality of these services as a result of the 
consolidation.
    3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of 
National Weather Service operations which enhance services in the 
New Orleans service area is included as attachment C. The new and 
improved technology inclusive of ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS, etc. has 
or will be installed and will enhance services.
    4. A map showing planned NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of 
10,000 feet over Louisiana and parts of Mississippi is included as 
attachment D. National Weather Service operational radar coverage 
for the specific area will be increased and no area will be under-
represented or missed due to inappropriate coverage.
    5. The following evidence, based on operational demonstration of 
the modernized National Weather Service operations, played a key 
role in concluding there will be no degradation of service.
    A. The WSR-88D RADAR Commissioning Report, attachment E, 
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications and 
acceptance test; is fully operational (satisfactory operation in 
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated National 
Weather Service forecasting and warning services); a full set of 
backup capabilities are functioning properly; a full set of 
operations and maintenance documentation is available; spare parts, 
test equipment, and trained operations and maintenance personnel are 
available on site. Base level training is in place and ongoing 
training continues. National Workarounds remain in effect.
    B. The User Confirmation of Services, attachment F, documents 
one negative comment was received. The negative comment was 
addressed and answered to the satisfaction of the user as stated in 
the Service Confirmation Report.
    C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, verifies 
the existing New Orleans WSR-57 radar is no longer needed to support 
services or products for local office operations.
    6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the New 
Orleans/Baton Rouge service area is included as attachment H.
    I have considered recommendations of the Modernization 
Transition Committee (Attachment I) and the public comments received 
during the comment period (Attachment J). On ______________, the 
Committee voted to endorse the proposed consolidation (Attachment 
K). I believe all negative comments have been addressed to the 
satisfaction of our customers and I continue to recommend this 
certification.

Endorsement

    I, Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this 
consolidation certification.

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Harry S. Hassel

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Date
Attachments
Memorandum for: Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region
From: Dennis H. McCarthy, MIC, NWSFO Norman, OK
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification

    A change of operations occurred at the Oklahoma City Weather 
Service Forecast Office (WSFO) in 1987 when most of the personnel 
were transferred to the facility for the future Oklahoma City 
Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Norman for operation of the WSR-88D 
and assumption of forecast and warning responsibility for the 
Oklahoma City service area. The office at the original WSFO location 
was designated a Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) and 
continued to be the site for recording surface observations and 
operating the WSR-57 radar.
    Based on the attached documentation, I have determined that, in 
my professional judgment, consolidation of the Oklahoma City 
Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) with the future Oklahoma City 
Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Norman will not result in any 
degradation in weather services to the Oklahoma City area. This 
proposed certification is in accordance with the advance 
notification provided in the National Implementation Plan. 
Accordingly, I am recommending that you approve this action in 
accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567. If you concur, 
please endorse this recommendation and forward this package to the 
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services for final 
certification. If Dr. Friday approves, he will forward the 
certification to the Secretary for approval and transmittal to 
Congress.
    My recommendation is based on my review of the pertinent 
evidence and application of the modernization criteria for 
consolidation of a field office. In summary:
    1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the 
Oklahoma City service area is included as attachment A. As discussed 
below, I find that providing the services which address these 
characteristics and concerns from the Oklahoma City WFO will not 
degrade these services.
    2. A detailed list of services traditionally provided within the 
Oklahoma City service area from the Oklahoma City RWSO location and 
a list of services to be provided from the Oklahoma City WFO 
location at Norman after consolidation is included in attachment B. 
It should be noted that virtually all public services and forecast 
and warning services were moved to the future WFO site in Norman 
between 1987 and 1992 as part of a national modernization risk 
reduction activity. Comparison of these services shows that all 
services will continue to be provided after the proposed 
consolidation. Also, the enclosed map shows the RWSO area of 
responsibility (i.e. ``affected service area'') and the future WFO 
Oklahoma City area of responsibility. As discussed below, I find 
that there will be no degradation in the quality of these services 
as a result of the consolidation.
    3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of 
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance 
services in the RWSO Oklahoma City service area is included as 
attachment C. The new technology (i.e. ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS) has 
or will be installed and will enhance services.
    4. A map showing NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of ten thousand 
feet for Oklahoma and portions of surrounding areas is included as 
attachment D. NWS operational radar coverage for the specific 
service area will be increased and no area will be missed in 
coverage.
    5. The following evidence, based on operational demonstration of 
modernized NWS operations, played a key role in concluding there 
will be no degradation in service.
    A. The WSR-88D Radar Commissioning Report, attachment E, 
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications 
(acceptance test); is fully operational (satisfactory operation of 
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS 
forecasting and warning services); service backup capabilities are 
functioning properly; a full set of spare parts and test equipment 
and trained operations and maintenance personnel are available on 
site. Training was completed, but two national work-arounds remain 
in effect.
    B. The User Confirmation of Services, attachment F, documents 
that only three negative comments were received. All of those have 
been answered to the satisfaction of the commentors as stated in the 
Service Confirmation Report.
    C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, verifies 
that the existing Oklahoma City WSR-57 radar is no longer needed to 
support services or products for local office operations.
    6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Oklahoma 
City service area is included as attachment H.
    I have considered recommendations of the Modernization 
Transition committee (Attachment I) and the public comments received 
during the comment period (Attachment J). On ________________, the 
Committee voted to endorse the proposed consolidation (Attachment 
K). I believe all negative comments have been addressed to the 
satisfaction of our customers and I continue to recommend this 
certification.

Endorsement

    I, Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this 
consolidation certification.

 
[[Page 50188]]

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Harry S. Hassel

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Attachments

10159 E. 11th Street, Suite 300

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74128-3050

Memorandum for: Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region
From: Donald R. Devore, MIC, NWSO Tulsa
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification

    A change of operations occurred at the Tulsa Weather Service 
Office (WSO) in March, 1992 when most personnel were transferred to 
the facility of the future Tulsa Weather Forecast Office in Tulsa, 
Oklahoma, to operate the WSR-88D and assume forecast and warning 
responsibility for the Tulsa service area. At the same time, this 
office was designated a Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) at 
the original WSO location to continue operating the existing WSR-74C 
radar and recording surface observations.
    After reviewing the attached documentation, I have determined, 
in my professional judgement, that consolidation of the Tulsa 
Weather Service Office (WSO) with the future Tulsa Weather Forecast 
Office (WFO) will not result in any degradation in weather services 
to the Tulsa service area. This proposed certification is in 
accordance with the advance notification provided in the National 
Implementation Plan. Accordingly, I am recommending you approve this 
action in accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567. If you 
concur, please endorse this recommendation and forward this package 
to the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services for final 
certification. If Dr. Friday approves, he will forward the 
certification to the Secretary for approval and transmittal to 
Congress.
    My recommendation is based on my review of the pertinent 
evidence and application of the modernization criteria for 
consolidation of a field office. In summary:
    1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the 
Tulsa service area is included as Attachment A. As discussed below, 
I find that providing the services which address these 
characteristics and concerns from Tulsa WFO will not degrade these 
services.
    2. A detailed list of the services currently provided within the 
Tulsa service area from the Tulsa WSO location and a list of 
services to be provided from the Tulsa WFO location after 
consolidation is included as Attachment B. Comparison of these 
services shows that all services currently provided will continue to 
be provided after the proposed consolidation. Also, the enclosed map 
shows the WSO Tulsa Area of Responsibility (i.e. ``Affected Service 
Area'') and the future WFO Tulsa Area of Responsibility. As 
discussed below, I find that there will be no degradation in the 
quality of these services as a result of the consolidation.
    3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of 
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance 
services in the WSO Tulsa service area is included as Attachment C. 
The new Technology (i.e. ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS) has been or will 
be installed and will enhance services.
    4. A map showing planned NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of 
10,000 feet for Oklahoma is included as Attachment D. NWS 
operational radar coverage for the Tulsa service area will be 
increased and no area will be missed in coverage.
    5. The following evidence, based upon operational demonstration 
of modernized NWS operations, played a key role in concluding there 
will be no degradation of service.
    A. The WSR-88D RADAR Commissioning Report, Attachment E, 
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications 
(acceptance test); is fully operational (satisfactory operation of 
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS 
forecasting and warning services); service backup capabilities are 
functioning properly; a full set of operations and maintenance 
documentation is available; and spare parts and test equipment and 
trained operations and maintenance personnel are available on site. 
Training was completed but two national work-arounds remain in 
effect.
    B. The User Confirmation of Services, Attachment F, documents 
that only one negative comment was received. The negative comment 
has been answered to the satisfaction of the commentator as stated 
in the Service Confirmation Report.
    C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, Attachment G, verifies 
that the existing Tulsa WSR-74C radar is no longer needed to support 
services or products for local office operations.
    6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Tulsa 
service area is included as Attachment H.
    I have considered recommendations of the Modernization 
Transition Committee (Attachment I) and the ____________ public 
comments received during the comment period (Attachment J). On 
________________, the Committee voted to endorse the proposed 
consolidation (Attachment K). I believe all negative comments have 
been addressed to the satisfaction of our customers and I continue 
to recommend this certification.

Endorsement

    I, Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this 
consolidation certification.

Harry S. Hassel.

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Attachments
NEXRAD Forecast Office
PAB 500
P.O. Box 52025
Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2025

Memorandum for: W/WR--Thomas D. Potter
From: Anton F. Haffer, Arizona Area Manager
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification

    A change of operations occurred at the Phoenix Weather Service 
Forecast Office (WSFO) in May 1991 when most personnel were 
transferred to the facility of the future Phoenix Weather Forecast 
Office (WFO) in Tempe, Arizona to operate the WSR-88D and assume 
forecast and warning responsibility for the Phoenix service area. At 
the same time, the office at the original WSFO location was 
designated a Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) to continue 
operating the WSR-74C radar.
    After reviewing the attached documentation, I have determined, 
in my professional judgment, consolidation of the Phoenix Residual 
Weather Service Office (RWSO) with the future Phoenix Weather 
Forecast Office (WFO) will not result in any degradation in weather 
services to the Phoenix service area. This proposed certification is 
in accordance with the advance notification provided in the National 
Implementation Plan. Accordingly, I am recommending that you approve 
this action in accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567. If 
you concur, please endorse this recommendation and forward this 
package to the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services for 
final certification. If Dr. Friday approves, he will forward the 
certification to the Secretary for approval and transmittal to 
Congress.
    My recommendation is based on my review of the pertinent 
evidence and application of the modernization criteria for 
consolidation of a field office. In summary:
    1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the pre-
modernized Phoenix service area is included as attachment A. The 
Phoenix service area is unique with 24-hour per day responsibility 
for Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, and Yavapai 
Counties, and part-time responsibility, generally night-time hours, 
for Apache, Coconino, La Paz, Navajo, and Yuma Counties. As 
discussed below, I find that providing the services which address 
these characteristics and concerns from the Phoenix WFO will not 
degrade these services.
    2. A detailed list of the services currently provided from the 
Phoenix RWSO location and comparable services to be provided from 
the Phoenix WFO location after consolidation is included as 
attachment B. Comparison of these services shows that all services 
currently provided will continue to be provided after the proposed 
consolidation. ASOS observations are currently augmented by NWS 
personnel, with augmentation scheduled to be taken over by a 
contractor. I find that there will be no degradation in the quality 
of these services as a result of the consolidation.
    3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of 
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance 
services in the pre-modernized Phoenix service area is included as 
attachment C. The new technology (i.e. ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS) 
has, or will be, installed and will enhance services.
    4. A map showing planned WSR-88D coverage at an elevation of 
10,000 feet for Arizona is included as attachment D. The NWS 
operational radar coverage for the Phoenix WFO service area will be 
vastly increased and will not degrade services.
    5. The following evidence, based upon operational demonstration 
of modernized NWS operations, played a key role in 

[[Page 50189]]
concluding there will be no degradation of service.
    A. The WSR-88D RADAR Commissioning Report, attachment E, 
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications 
(acceptance test); is fully operational satisfactory operation of 
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS 
forecasting and warning services); service backup capabilities are 
functioning properly; a full set of operations and maintenance 
documentation is available; and spare parts and test equipment and 
trained operations and maintenance personnel are available on site. 
Training was completed. There were two national work-arounds. One of 
these has been satisfied while the other one remains in effect.
    B. The User Confirmation of Services, attachment F, documents 
that only one negative comment was received. The negative comment 
was answered to the satisfaction of the commentor as stated in the 
service Confirmation Report.
    C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, verifies 
that the Phoenix WSR-74C radar is no longer needed to support 
services or products for local office operations.
    6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Phoenix 
service area is included as attachment H.
    I have considered recommendations of the Modernization 
Transition Committee (attachment I) and the ____________ public 
comments received during the comment period (attachment J). On 
________________ the Committee voted to endorse the proposed 
consolidation (attachment K). I believe all negative comments have 
been addressed to the satisfaction of our customers and I continue 
to recommend this certification.

Endorsement

    I, Thomas D. Potter, Director, Western Region, endorse this 
consolidation certification.

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Thomas D. Potter

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Attachments

[FR Doc. 95-24103 Filed 9-27-95; 8:45 am]
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