8 



the date, it was learned that there was a conflict with a previously scheduled launch 

 of a commercial satellite. General Dynamics has proposed a June launch, but NASA 

 is working to accelerate this date. There is no cost impact due to this possible slip. 

 It is one of scheduling the launch pad and does not represent any technical prob- 

 lems with the GOES-I satellite. GOES-I is on schedule for a February 1994 delivery 

 to the launch site. 



• During final testing of the NOAA-I polar spacecraft prior to its anticipated 

 launch date of June 9, 1993, an anomaly was detected in a gyroscope in the space- 

 craft's Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). We immediately shipped a replacement 

 unit to the contractor, Honeywelll for calibration. However, this unit failed its cali- 

 bration testing. We are working with NASA and the contractor to determine an ac- 

 ceptable IMU for NOAA-I and the earliest possible launch date for NOAA-1 is mid- 

 July. 



MAINTAIN CRITICAL OPERATIONS IN FISHERIES, OCEAN SERVICES, THE WEATHER 

 SERVICE AND SATELLITE PROGRAMS 



NOAA's agenda for the 1990's includes environmental prediction and assessment 

 and stewardship of the Nation's natural and living marine resources. This work, in- 

 cluding research to develop science-based policy options, cannot be undertaken with- 

 out proper funding. Support for science-based policy options will become increasingly 

 important as Congress reauthorizes the Endangered Species Act, Magnuson Fish- 

 eries Conservation and Management Act, and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Total 

 NOAA funding of$46.5 million to maintain on-going operations is needed to fulfill 

 basic responsibilities in fisheries, ocean services, weather and satellite services. 

 Without these funds, NOAA's ability to address natural and living marine resource 

 issues will be severely reduced. 



The FY 1994 request includes an increase of $20.3 for NWS operations funding 

 in FY 1994 to maintain the current level of weather services to the public as re- 

 quired by Public Law 102-567, which addresses the NWS Modernization. 



Over the past four years, NWS has not been able to maintain public weather serv- 

 ices and operation of all NWS offices within appropriated funding levels. To prevent 

 service reductions, the Congress concurred with three reprogrammings and provided 

 supplemental funding to maintain services. Again in FY 1993, NWS continues oper- 

 ations at minimal levels and a review of options that addresses the shortfall in NWS 

 funding, is currently underway. 



During FY 1992, the NWS developed a recovery plan involving temporary, one- 

 time efforts, to bridge the cumulative gap between available funding and NWS oper- 

 ational requirements. However, this plan requires that NWS receive full funding of 

 this FY 1994 initiative. Without funding of this FY 1994 initiative, permanent serv- 

 ice reductions will be required. Equipment replacement and repair cannot continue 

 to be deferred while repair costs and failure rates of aging equipment continue to 

 escalate. The permanent reductions to current services include employee reductions, 

 reductions in service hours, and office closures. These actions will also put the NWS 

 Modernization and Restructuring effort into jeopardy, in that, the NWS Base Oper- 

 ations must be healthy prior to full commitment and full implementation of any re- 

 organization or restructuring. 



While the FY 1994 request of $224 million for the National Marine Fisheries 

 Service (NMFS) does not propose any funding for new or expanded programs, it does 

 provide funding of $11.9 million needed to maintain essential on-going operations 

 of NMFS. This funding is necessary to avoid significant downsizing involving over 

 270 employees and the closure of a number of NMFS facilities. 



Downsizing would significantly compromise NMFS' capacity to fulfill its present 

 responsibilities and mandates. The result would be a loss of scientific expertise, data 

 and information in every geographic region and would impact the management of 

 most major fisheries. Downsizing would delay critical conservation activities, includ- 

 ing the implementation of Fishery Management Plans, allocation adjustments and 

 the development, review and implementation of ESA listing and recovery plans. 



Additionally, the reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act, the Magnuson 

 Fisheries Conservation and Management Act and the Marine Mammal Protection 

 Act may result in increased responsibilities being placed on NMFS in FY 1994 such 

 as those specified in previous reauthorizations (e.g., Secretarial responsibility for At- 

 lantic highly migratory pelagic fishery management). It is critical to ensure ade- 

 quate funding for NMFS' on-going activities before increased responsibilities are 

 added. 



Program increases of $3.5 million in the FY 1994 budget request of $148.8 million 

 are essential for maintaining current operations and staffing for the National Ocean 

 Service (NOS). Without the hasic operational funds requested, NOS would be forced 



