National Weather Service: Closure of Regional Office Not Supported by Risk Analysis
AIMD-97-133
Published: Jul 31, 1997. Publicly Released: Aug 08, 1997.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed proposed staffing cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS), focusing on the NWS analysis: (1) supporting the planned closure of its southern regional headquarters office; and (2) of alternative plans for maintaining its current regional structure of four mainland offices.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Commerce | To ensure that weather service users are not adversely affected by a decision to restructure NWS offices, the Secretary of Commerce should, prior to making any decision to close the southern regional headquarters office, direct that the Administrator, NOAA, complete a documented analysis of the risks associated with a range of alternative actions to address NWS budget shortfalls. This analysis should also include a set of actions to minimize any degradation of service as part of an effort to meet present and future budgetary goals. |
Closed – Implemented
The Department of Commerce commissioned John J. Kelly, retired USAF general, to assess the resources necessary to operate the National Weather Service and complete systems modernization, and specifically to review the feasibility of closing the Southern Region Headquarters. His report stated that he believed that six regional headquarters were required and that plans to close the Southern Region Headquarters should be terminated. The Secretary of Commerce agreed to this recommendation and the closing of the Southern Regional Headquarters is not planned.
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Topics
Budget cutsFederal agency reorganizationFederal downsizingInformation systemsReductions in forceStaff utilizationStrategic planningWeather forecastingRisk assessmentHuman resources management