[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 77 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17275-17279]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9497]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service Modernization and Associated
Restructuring
AGENCY: National Weather Service (NWS), NOAA, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice and opportunity for public comment.
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SUMMARY: The National Weather Service is publishing proposed
certifications for the proposed consolidations of:
(1) Residual Minneapolis Weather Service Office (RWSO) into the
future Minneapolis WFO;
(2) Columbus Weather Service Office (WSO) into the future
Birmingham, Tallahassee, and Atlanta Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs);
(3) Residual Lubbock WSO into the future Lubbock WFO;
(4) Macon WSO into the future Atlanta and Tallahassee WFOs;
(5) Residual Portland, OR WSO into the future Portland, OR WFO; and
(6) Salem, OR WSO into the future Portland, OR WFO.
In accordance with Pub. L. 102-567, the public will have 60-days in
which to comment on these proposed consolidation certifications.
DATES: Comments are requested by June 18, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the proposed consolidation packages
should be sent to Janet Gilmer, Room 12316, 1325 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 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 Indianapolis Weather Service Office (RWSO) with
the future Indianapolis WFO;
(2)the Residual Minneapolis Weather Service Office (RWSO) with the
future Minneapolis WFO;
(3) the Columbus Weather Service Office (WSO) with the future
Birmingham, Tallahassee, and Atlanta Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs);
(4) the Residual Lubbock WSO with the future Lubbock WFO;
(5) the Macon WSO with the future Atlanta and Tallahassee WFOs;
(6) the Residual Portland, OR WSO with the future Portland, OR WFO;
and
(7) the Salem, OR WSO with the future Portland, OR WFO. In
accordance with section 706 of Pub. L. 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 of the NWS if appropriate,
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(s), User Confirmation of Services
Report(s), and the Decommissioning Readiness Report (as applicable);
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(c) of Pub. L. 102-567. At their December 14, 1995
meeting the members ``. . . resolved that the MTC modify its procedure
to eliminate proposed certification consultations of noncontroversial
closings, consolidations, relocations, and automation certifications
but will provide final consultation on certifications after public
comment and before final submission to the Secretary of Commerce.''
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.
Draft memoranda by the respective meteorologists-in-charge
recommending the certifications are being published as an appendix to
this notice.
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.
Dated: April 12, 1996.
Elbert W. Friday, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.
Appendix--Draft Memoranda
Memorandum For: Richard P. Augulis, Director, Central Region
From: Craig M. Edwards, MIC, NWSFO Minneapolis, MN
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification.
In March 1995, a change of operations occurred when most
personnel and most services provided by the WSFO at Minneapolis were
transferred to the future
[[Page 17276]]
WFO site in Chanhassen, Minnesota. At that time, a Residual Weather
Service Office (RWSO) was left in Minneapolis to continue the
surface and radar observational programs. Since that time, the WSR-
57 radar was decommissioned.
After reviewing the attached documentation and responding to all
clients concerned about consolidation of services, I have
determined, in my professional judgement, consolidation of the RWSO
Minneapolis Office with the future Minneapolis Weather Forecast
Office (WFO) at Chanhassen will not result in any degradation in
weather services to the Minneapolis service area. 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 pre-
modernized service area is included as Attachment A.
2. A detailed list of the services currently provided within the
Minneapolis, Minnesota service area from the Minneapolis RWSO
location and a list of services to be provided from the future
Minneapolis WFO location after the proposed consolidation is
included as Attachment B. Comparison of these service shows that all
services currently provided will continue to be provided after the
proposed consolidation. Also, the enclosed map shows the pre-
modernized WSO Minneapolis Area of Responsibility (i.e., ``Affected
Service Area'') and the future WFO Minneapolis Area of
Responsibility. As discussed below, I find that there will be no
degradation of the quality of those services as a result of
consolidation.
3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance
services in the RWSO Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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 NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of
10,000 feet for Minnesota is included as Attachment D. NSW
operational radar coverage for the Minneapolis 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.
B. The User Confirmation of Services, Attachment F, documents
that all comments have been answered to the satisfaction of the
commentors as stated in the Service Confirmation Report. Three
negative comments pertained to the vendors, one pertained to less
personal service now, one referred to the teletype hard copy of a
warning and one comment when the WSR-88D went down. All negative
comments were discussed and addressed to the customers'
satisfaction. There were no local work-arounds, but one national
work-around remains in effect which will not degrade services.
C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, Attachment G, validates
that the existing Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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 RWSO
Minneapolis 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, Richard P. Augulis, Director, Central Region, endorse this
consolidation certification.
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Richard P. Augulis
Date-------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachments are not published in the Federal Register.
465 Weathervane Road, Alabaster, AL 35007-5079,
Date-------------------------------------------------------------------
Memorandum For: Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region
From:
Gary S. Petti, MIC/Area Manager, NWSFO Birmingham, AL
Carlos Garza, Jr., MIC/Area Manager, NWSFO Atlanta, GA
Paul Duval, MIC, NWSO Tallahassee, FL
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification, Columbus,
GA
After reviewing the attached documentation, we have determined,
in our professional judgement, that consolidation of the Columbus
Weather Service Office (WSO) with the future Birmingham, Atlanta,
and Tallahassee Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) will not result in
any degradation in weather services to the Columbus service area.
This proposed certification is in accordance with the advance
notification provided in the National Implementation Plan.
Accordingly, we are 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.
Our recommendation is based on our 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
Columbus service area is included as Attachment A. As discussed
below, we find that providing the services, which address these
characteristics and concerns, from future WFOs Birmingham, Atlanta,
and Tallahassee will not degrade these services.
2. A detailed list of the services currently provided within the
Columbus service area from the WSO Columbus location and a list of
services to be provided from the future WFO Birmingham, Atlanta, and
Tallahassee locations 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 Columbus area of
responsibility (i.e., ``affected service area'') and the future WFO
Birmingham area of responsibility. As discussed below, we 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 Columbus 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. Maps showing planned NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of
10,000 feet for Georgia and Alabama are 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 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 Reports for NWSFOs Birmingham
and Atlanta and NWSO Tallahassee, Attachment E, validate that the
WSR-88Ds meet technical specifications (acceptance test) and are
fully operational (satisfactory operation of system interfaces and
satisfactory support of associated NWS forecasting and warning
services), service back-up 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. Two national work-
arounds remain in effect.
b. The User Confirmation of Services for NWSFOs Birmingham and
Atlanta and
[[Page 17277]]
NWSO Tallahassee, Attachment F, document that no negative comments
were received from the WSO Columbus service area.
c. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, Attachment G, verifies
that the existing Columbus 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 Columbus
service area is included in Attachment H.
We 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). We believe all negative comments have
been addressed to the satisfaction of our customers and we continue
to recommend this certification.
Endorsement
I, Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this
consolidation certification.
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Harry S. Hassel
Dates------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachments are not published in the Federal Register.
2579 S. Loop 289, Suite 100, Lubbock, TX 79423-1400
Date-------------------------------------------------------------------
Memorandum For: Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region
From: Walter R. Anderson, AM/MIC NWSFO Lubbock, TX
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification
A change of operations occurred at the Lubbock Weather Service
Forecast Office (WSFO) in December 1993 when most of the personnel
were transferred to the facility of the WSR-88D and assumption of
forecast and warning responsibility for the Lubbock 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-74C.
Based on the attached documentation and my professional
judgment, I have determined that consolidation of RWSO Lubbock with
the future WFO Lubbock will not result in any degradation in weather
services to the Lubbock 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
Lubbock service area is included as Attachment A. As discussed
below, I find that providing the services from WFO Lubbock which
address these characteristics and concerns will not degrade these
services.
2. A detailed list of services currently provided within the
Lubbock service area from the RWSO Lubbock location and a list of
services to be provided from the WFO Lubbock location after
consolidation is included in Attachment B. Comparison of these
services shows that all services will continue to be provided after
the proposed consolidation. Also, the enclosed map shows the RWSO
Lubbock area of responsibility (i.e., ``affected service area'') and
the future WFO Lubbock 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 Lubbock 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 radar coverage at an elevation
of 10,000 feet over the Texas South Plains and surrounding area is
included as Attachment D. NWS operational radar coverage is complete
for the specific service area 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 of service.
a. The WSR-88D Radar Commissioning Report, Attachment E,
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications
(acceptance test) and is fully operational (satisfactory operation
of system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS
forecasting and warning services), service back-up capabilities are
functioning properly, and a full set of spare parts and test
equipment and trained operations and maintenance personnel are
available on site. Two national work-arounds remain in effect.
b. The User Confirmation of Services, Attachment F, documents
that no negative comments were received.
c. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, Attachment G, verifies
that the existing Lubbock 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 RWSO
Lubbock 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
Dates------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachments are not published in the Federal Register.
Four Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Date-------------------------------------------------------------------
Memorandum For: Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region
From:
Carlos Garza, Jr., MIC/Area Manager, NWSFO Atlanta, GA
Paul Duval, MIC, NWSO Tallahassee, FL
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification
After reviewing the attached documentation, we have determined,
in our professional judgment, that consolidation of the Macon
Weather Service Office (WSO) with the future Atlanta and Tallahassee
Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) will not result in any degradation
in weather services to the Macon service area. This proposed
certification is in accordance with the advance notification
provided in the National Implementation Plan. Accordingly, we are
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.
Our recommendation is based on our 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
Macon service area is included as Attachment A. As discussed below,
we find that providing the services which address these
characteristics and concerns from future WFOs Atlanta and
Tallahassee will not degrade these services.
2. A detailed list of the services currently provided within the
Macon service area from WSO Macon and a list of services to be
provided from the future WFO Atlanta and Tallahassee locations 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 Macon area of responsibility (i.e., ``affected service
area'') and the future WFO Atlanta area of responsibility. As
discussed below, we 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 Macon service area is included as Attachment C.
The new technology (i.e., ASOS, WSR-88D, and
[[Page 17278]]
AWIPS) has or will be installed and will enhance services.
4. A map showing planned NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of
10,000 feet for Georgia 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 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 Reports for NWSFO Atlanta and
NWSO Tallahassee, Attachment E, validate that the WSR-88Ds meet
technical specifications (acceptance test) and are fully operational
(satisfactory operation of system interfaces and satisfactory
support of associated NWS forecasting and warning services), service
back-up capabilities are functioning properly, and a full set of
spare parts and test equipment and trained operations and
maintenance personnel are available on site. Two national work-
arounds remain in effect.
b. The User Confirmation of Services for NWSFO Atlanta and NWSO
Tallahassee, Attachment F, document that two negative comments were
received from the Macon service area. The negative comments have
been answered to the satisfaction of the commenters as stated in the
Service Confirmation Report.
c. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, Attachment G, verifies
that the existing Macon 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 Macon
service area is included as Attachment H.
We 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). We believe all negative comments have been addressed to the
satisfaction of our customers and we continue to recommend this
certification.
ENDORSEMENT
I, Harry S. Hasssel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this
consolidation certification.
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Harry S. Hassel
Dates------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachments are not published in the Federal Register.
Forecast Office, 5241 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97230-1089
Memorandum For: W/WR--Thomas D. Potter, Director, Western Region
From: Stephen K. Todd, Area Manager/MIC, NWSFP Portland, OR
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification
After reviewing the attached documentation, I have determined,
in my professional judgment, consolidation of the Salem Weather
Service Office (WSO) with the future Portland, OR Weather Forecast
Office (WFO) will not result in any degradation in weather services
to the Salem 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
Salem service area is included as attachment A. As discussed below,
I find that providing the services which address these
characteristics and concerns from the future Portland, OR WFO will
not degrade these services.
2. A detailed list of the services currently provided within the
Salem service area from the Salem WSO location and a list of
services to be provided from the future San Joaquin Valley WFO 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 Salem Area of Responsibility (i.e. ``Affected Service
Area''), and the future WFO Portland, OR 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 Salem 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 NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of
10,000 feet for California is included as attachment D. NWS
operational radar coverage for the Salem 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 one national work around remains in
effect.
B. The final User Confirmation of Services, attachment F,
documents that no negative comments were received. All users were
satisfied.
C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, is not
needed as there is no radar to decommission at Salem.
6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Salem
service area is included as attachment H.
I have considered recommendations of the Modernization
Transition Committee (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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas D. Potter
Date-------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachments are not published in the Federal Register.
Forecast Office, 5241 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97230-1089
Memorandum For: Thomas D. Potter, Director, Western Region
From: Stephen K. Todd, Area Manager/MIC, NWSFO Portland, OR
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification
A change in operations occurred at the Portland, OR Weather
Service Forecast Office (WSO) in August 1994. During this month,
most personnel were transferred to the future Portland Weather
Forecast Office (WFO) in Portland, Oregon to operate the WSR-88D,
and assume forecast and warning responsibility for the Portland
service area. At the same time, the original WSFO office was
designated a Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) to continue
operating the WSR-74C, and maintain the surface observations.
After reviewing the attached documentation, I have determined,
in my professional judgement, consolidation of the Portland Residual
Weather Service Office (RWSO) with the future Portland Weather
Forecast Office (WFO) will not result in any degradation in weather
services to the Portland 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:
[[Page 17279]]
1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the
Portland service area is included as attachment A. As discussed
below, I find that providing the services which address these
characteristics and concerns from the future Portland WFO will not
degrade these services.
2. A detailed list of the services currently provided within the
Portland service area from the Portland RWSO location and a list of
services to be provided from the future Portland WFO 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 RWSO Portland Area of Responsibility (i.e. ``Affected
Service Area''), and the future WFO Portland 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 Portland 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 NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of
10,000 feet for Oregon is included as attachment D. NWS operational
radar coverage for the Portland 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 maintenance
personnel are available on site. Coordination was completed with one
national work-around remaining in effect.
B. The Partial and Final User Confirmation of Services,
attachment F, documents that two negative comments were received.
Both negative comments addressed the same concern which was a valid
problem. This problem has since been corrected to the satisfaction
of each individual, as stated in the service Confirmation Report.
6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Portland
service area is included as attachment H.
I have considered recommendations of the Modernization
Transition Committee (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
Date-------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachments are not published in the Federal Register.
[FR Doc. 96-9497 Filed 4-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-M