[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 4261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-2077]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Weather Service Proposed Automation and Closure 
Certifications

SUMMARY: On January 7, 1997 (62 FR 981), the National Weather Service 
(NWS) published a notice and opportunity for public comment for 43 
proposed automation and closure certifications. Since that time, it has 
been determined that at six of these sites, NWS is not ready to proceed 
with the proposed certifications. Accordingly, this notice is to advise 
that these six proposed automation and closure certifications are being 
withdrawn.

ADDRESSES: Inquiries regarding these withdrawals should be directed to 
Tom Beaver, Room 09356, 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Julie Scanlon at 301-713-1698 X151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In compliance with Public Law 102-567, the 
Secretary of Commerce must certify that automating, consolidating, 
relocating, and closing any field office will not result in any 
degradation of service to the affected areas of responsibility. 
Further, the Secretary must publish the proposed certification in the 
Federal Register for a 60-day public comment period. This certification 
authority has been delegated to the Under Secretary for Oceans and 
Atmosphere.
    On January 7, 1997, the NWS published 43 proposed automation and 
closure certifications (62 FR 981). Since that time, it has been 
determined that at six of these sites, NWS is not ready to proceed with 
the proposed certifications. Accordingly, to avoid any confusion and 
ensure that the public does not waste time submitting comments 
unnecessarily, the NWS is withdrawing the following six proposed 
automation and closure certifications:
    (1) The residual Boston Weather Service Office (WSO);
    (2) Bridgeport, Connecticut WSO;
    (3) The residual Portland, Maine WSO;
    (4) Providence, Rhode Island WSO;
    (5) Hartford, Connecticut WSO; and
    (6) Worcester, Massachusetts WSO.
    The NWS will propose these certifications for a 60-day public 
comment period at a later date.

    Dated: January 23, 1997.
Elbert W. Friday, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.
[FR Doc. 97-2077 Filed 1-28-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-M