APPENDIX 



Questions Asked by Senator Pressler and Answers Thereto by Dr. Baker 



Question. Could you explain how the Weather Service intends to implement the 

 certification process required by the Weather Service Modernization Act, particu- 

 larly with respect to South Dakota? 



Answer. The certification process is explained in the National Implementation 

 Plan for Modernization of the National Weather Service. This process is the same 

 for all states, and the sequence of events leading to certification for a typical WSO 

 consolidation or automation is designed to assure that services will not be degraded. 

 The major steps in the certification process include: 



• installing and testing the NEXRAD or ASOS; 



• operationally demonstrating the unit and coordinating with users; 



• commissioning the unit for full operational use; 



• transferring service responsibility to the NEXRAD field office while continuing 

 to operate the existing radar; 



• confirming with users that services are maintained; 



• preparing decommissioning and/or surface observation modernization reports; 



• decommissioning the existing NWS radar; 



• certifying "no degradation" of services; and 



• consolidating (i.e., remove or replace the outmoded radar, and reassign the 

 radar operators and/or surface observers to an office where needed). 



In particular, in South Dakota, the Weather Service intends to locate the 

 NEXRAD units to give complete coverage at 10,000 feet. This should lead to not 

 only "no degradation of service" but also a significant improvement in services to 

 the state over what can be provided by the current radars. Key events for South 

 Dakota are listed below, with any event scheduled in 1996 or later designated as 

 "96+": 



WSFO Sioux Falls will become WFO Sioux Falls (new building at airport): 10/93 

 ASOS commissioned; 08/94 NEXRAD commissioned; 10/94 WSR-74C decommis- 

 sioned. 



WSQ Aberdeen will become WFO Aberdeen (new building at airport): 10/94 ASOS 

 commissioned; 07/95 NEXRAD commissioned. 



WSO Rapid City (at airport) will be consolidated with the WFO at the Rapid City 

 site and eventually closed: 10/94 ASOS commissioned; 01/95 automation certifi- 

 cation; 96+ WSR-74C decommissioned; 96+ service transfer to WFO Rapid City; 96+ 

 consolidation certification. 



WFO Rapid City (new office at Rapid City School of Mines): 96+ NEXRAD com- 

 missioned. 



WSO Huron will be automated, consolidated with WFO Sioux Falls and WFO Ab- 

 erdeen and eventually closed: 10/93 ASOS commissioned; 01/94 automation certifi- 

 cation; 96+ WSR-57 decommissioned; 08/94 service transfer to Sioux Falls; 07/95 

 service transfer to Aberdeen; 96+ consolidation certification (after both transfers). 



WSO Sioux City, Iowa, will be automated, consolidated with Sioux Falls and even- 

 tually closed (service area includes SD): 05/93 ASOS comi^ssioned; 01/94 automa- 

 tion certification; 08/94 service transfer to Sioux Falls; 05/95 consolidation certifi- 

 cation. 



There will be no relocation certifications in South Dakota. The commissioning 

 schedule for AWIPS and closure certifications for WSO Rapid City, WSO Huron, and 

 WSO Sioux City will occur after 1996. 



Certification documentation includes: 



• A description of local weather characteristics and weather-related concerns that 

 affect the weather services provided within the service area; 



• A detailed comparison of the services provided within the service area and the 

 services to be provided after such action; 



• A description of recent or expected modernization of NWS operations that will 

 enhance services in the service area; 



(51) 



