[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 191 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51645-51646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-26129]


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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 NWS is publishing a proposed certification for the 
automation of the Williston, ND, Weather Service Office which will be 
automated at FAA Weather Observation Service Level D and with services 
being provided by the future Bismarck Weather Forecast Office (WFO).
    In accordance with Pub. L. 102-567, the public will have 60 days in 
which to comment on this proposed automation certification.


[[Page 51646]]


DATES: Comments are requested by December 1, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the proposed automation package 
should be sent to Tom Beaver, Room 11426, 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: Tom Beaver at 301-713-0300.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with section 706 of Pub. L. 
102-567, the Secretary of Commerce must certify that this automation 
will not result in any degradation of service to the affected area of 
responsibility and must publish the proposed automation certification 
in the Federal Register. The documentation supporting the 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 services provided in 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 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; successful 
resolution of ASOS user confirmation of services complaints; and an in-
place supplementary data program at the responsible WFO; and
    (7) a letter appointing the liaison officer.
    This proposed certification does not include any report of the 
Committee which could be submitted in accordance with sections 
706(b)(6) and 707(c) of Public Law 102-567. In December 1995 the 
Committee decided that, in general, they would forego the optional 
consultation on proposed certifications. Instead, the Committee would 
just review certifications after the public comment period had closed 
so their consultation would be with the benefit of public comments that 
had been submitted.
    This notice does not include the complete certification package 
because it is too voluminous to publish. Copies of the certification 
package and 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 determine whether to 
proceed with the final certification. At the June 25, and September 24, 
1997 MTC meetings the Committee stated that its endorsement of 
certifications is ``subject to the following qualifications:
    (1) The number of trained staff in each modernized field office 
meets staffing requirements as established by the modernization 
criteria and documented in the National Implementation Plan and the 
Human Resources Plan (WBS 1100). Delays in training or failure to fill 
required positions will increase the risk of degradation of service;
    (2) The availability of operational systems in each modernized 
field office meets requirements as established by the modernization 
criteria and documented in the System Commissioning and Support 
Function Demonstration Plans; and
    (3) The operational and administrative infrastructures and 
technical development needed to support the modernized field offices be 
maintained as required by the modernization plan.'' It is expected that 
these qualifications can be met for this proposed certification. If the 
qualifications can not be met prior to the December MTC meeting, this 
proposed certification may or may not be presented to the Committee.
    If a decision to certify is made, the Secretary of Commerce must 
publish the final certification in the FR and transmit the 
certification to the appropriate Congressional committees prior to 
automating this office.

    Dated: September 26, 1997.
Robert S. Winokur,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.
[FR Doc. 97-26129 Filed 10-1-97; 8:45 am]
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