[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49551-49552]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24798]


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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 proposed certifications for the 
consolidation, automation, and closure of the Huntsville, Alabama 
Weather Service Office (WSO) which would be automated at FAA Weather 
Observation Service Level B and have its services consolidated into the 
future Birmingham, Alabama Weather Forecast Office (WFO).
    In accordance with Pub. L. 102-567, the public will have 60-days in 
which to comment on these proposed consolidation, automation, and 
closure certifications.

DATES: Comments are requested by November 16, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Request for copies of the proposed consolidation, automation 
and closure 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 
consolidation, automation, and closure will not result in a degradation 
of service to the affected area of responsibility and must publish the 
proposed consolidation, automation, and closure certifications in the 
FR. The documentation supporting these proposed certifications 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 would result from such action including the WSR-
88D Radar Commissioning Report, User Confirmation of Services Report, 
and the Decommissioning Readiness Report;
    (7) 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 WFO;
    (8) Warning and forecast verification statistics for pre-modernized 
and modernized services which were utilized in determining that 
services have not been degraded;
    (9) An Air Safety Appraisal for offices which are located on an 
airport; and
    (10) 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. 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 has 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, 1997 MTC meeting 
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

[[Page 49552]]

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.'' These 
qualifications have been met for the above proposed certifications. If 
a decision to certify is made, the Secretary of Commerce must publish 
final certifications in the FR and transmit the certifications to the 
appropriate Congressional committees prior to consolidating, 
automating, and closing this office.

    Dated: September 11, 1998.
John J. Kelly, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.
[FR Doc. 98-24798 Filed 9-15-98; 8:45 am]
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