[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 190 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51081-51082]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-24907]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The NWS is publishing proposed certifications for the 
automation of the following Weather Service offices at the indicated 
FAA Weather Observation Service level:
    (1) Grand Island Weather Service Office (WSO), service level C;
    (2) Beaumont/Port Arthur WSO, service level C;
    (3) Bristol WSO, service level C;
    (4) Columbus, GA WSO, service level C;
    (5) Macon WSO, service level C;
    (6) Waco WSO, service level C;
    (7) Bakersfield WSO, service level C;
    (8) Helena WSO, service level C;
    (9) Residual Phoenix WSO, service level A;
    (10) Residual Reno WSO, service level C; and
    (11) Salem WSO, service level C.
    In accordance with Pub. Law 102-567, the public will have 60-days 
in which to comment on these proposed automation certifications.

DATES: Comments are requested by November 29, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the proposed automation packages 
should be sent to Tom Beaver, Room 12314, 1325 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910, telephone 301-713-0300. All comments should be 
sent to Tom Beaver at the above address.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with section 706 of Pub. Law 
102-567, the Secretary of Commerce must certify that these automations 
will not result in any degradation of service to the affected areas of 
responsibility and must publish the proposed automation 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;

[[Page 51082]]

    (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 ASOS 
Commissioning Report; series of three letters between NWS and FAA 
confirming that weather services will continue in full compliance with 
applicable flight aviation rules after ASOS commissioning; Surface 
Aviation Observation Transition Checklist documenting transfer of 
augmentation and backup responsibility from NWS to FAA; successful 
resolution of ASOS user confirmation of services complaints; and an in-
place supplementary data program at the responsible future Weather 
Forecast Office(s).
    (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. Law 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. Copies of the supporting documentation can be 
obtained through the contact listed above.
    Once all public comments have been received and considered, the NWS 
will complete consultation with the Committee and determined 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 automating these offices.

    Dated: September 24, 1996.
Elbert W. Friday, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.
[FR Doc. 96-24907 Filed 9-27-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-M