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ARS uses a multiple step process in setting priorities for improving or 

 constructing new facilities; ARS 



— considers input from the scientists, managers, and engineers regarding 

 space and condition of existing facilities, especially any safety and 

 health issues. 



— considers input from users, scientists, managers, and Executive and 

 Congressional branches of government regarding emerging and future 

 agricultural problems. 



— compares the cost-effectiveness of renovating existing facilities with 

 that of total replacement using new construction. 



— reviews the current and future mission to be conducted at the facility. 

 The Agency initiates a budget recommendation once a determination is 



made that the future needs of the research program caimot be accomplished 

 within existing facilities. The facilities requests are prioritized and submitted 

 through the annual appropriations process. This process involves Agency, 

 Department, and 0MB approvals before the request is included in the 

 President's budget for consideration by the Congress. This process usually 

 takes several years to obtain the funding for design and construction of a new 

 facility. 



It should be noted that section 1431 of the National Agricultural 

 Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985, authorizes 

 appropriations for the construction of Federal agricultural research facilities. 



