[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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
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