Assessment of the Current Status of the U.S. Weather Research Program (2000)

Dear Dr. Alberts:

The National Weather Service (NWS) is the largest of the major components of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and has the critical responsibility of providing the Nation with weather and climate information for protecting life and property and sustaining the national economy. The U.S. Weather Research program (USWRP) is the science program for the Nation's research community to improve the NWS ability to meet its mission.

I would like to ask the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) to provide me a brief assessment of the current status of the USWRP at their next Board meeting, currently scheduled for April. The scope of the review should include the activities of the Federal agencies, most notably NOAA, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy, with respect to the USWRP. The BASC should examine the plans the agencies have in place to support the USWRP using their FY 2000 appropriated funds, and the FY 2001 proposed funding contained in the President's budget. I would appreciate a letter report covering the Board's assessment of the adequacy of the planned actions in meeting the goals of the USWRP.

I understand that the cost of this activity can be covered under the core funding proved by the various Federal agencies for the BASC. I believe that such a review is an important method for BASC to support the entire atmospheric sciences community, both research and operations. Dr. William Hooke, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, will be available to work with your staff on this activity.

Sincerely,

D. James Baker

THE ADMINISTRATOR