The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has requested $5,496.7 million for FY 2015, an increase of $176.1 million or 3.3 percent above its current budget of $5,320.6 million. NOAA is part of the Department of Commerce which has requested a total increase of 6.9 percent for FY 2015.
The Department of Commerce is in the process of releasing its FY 2015 budget documents. The full budget was released yesterday afternoon. The budget summary will not be released until next week.
NOAA has released its FY 2015 Budget Summary providing an overview of its programs and detailed funding tables in a 30-page appendix starting on page 40.
When describing the FY 2015 request, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan commented:
“This budget makes investments in infrastructure improvements that are critical to effectively execute NOAA’s diverse mission portfolio. NOAA is the only federal agency with the operational responsibility to provide critical and accurate weather, water, ocean, climate, and ecosystem forecasts. Our global observing systems are the foundation of the information and data we provide -- without them we are essentially ‘flying blind’ and the level of uncertainty in our forecasts increases at a time when people are demanding more precision. Investments are necessary today to ensure NOAA’s fleet of research vessels and observational platforms can continue to provide the environmental intelligence needed to meet our mission and are capable of gathering data in extreme environments, such as the Arctic. Specifically, this budget requests investments to launch new polar and geostationary satellites on time, build a new ocean class research vessel, ensure essential IT and physical infrastructure to support the Weather-Ready Nation initiative, and support atmospheric and coastal monitoring activities.”
In addition:
“NOAA is a service agency -- but one that is supported by some of the best science in the world. This budget continues to invest in the research and development needed today for the innovations of tomorrow. Developing the latest technological advancements and promoting a fundamental understanding of our planet will keep our products and services viable, improve cost efficiency and management effectiveness, maximize economic opportunity, and leverage our partnerships with external stakeholders. From making advancements in sustainable fisheries management to evolving NOAA’s National Weather Service, this budget includes key investments to strengthen, support, and foster innovation within the organization. This includes work to advance electronic monitoring and next generation stock assessments; continue to improve our weather products and services; and, invest in a range of research and development activities that will support the goals of the President’s Climate Action Plan.”
Total NOAA:
The FY 2014 appropriation was $5,320.6 million
The FY 2015 request is $5,496.7 million, an increase of $176.1 million or 3.3 percent
Within NOAA are the following selected programs:
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service:
The FY 2014 appropriation was $2,083.1 million
The FY 2015 request is $2,247.9 million, an increase of $164.8 million or 7.9 percent
National Ocean Service:
The FY 2014 appropriation was $498.7 million
The FY 2015 request is $519.4 million, an increase of $20.7 million or 4.2 percent
National Weather Service:
The FY 2014 appropriation was $1,067.3 million
The FY 2015 request is $1,063.4 million, a decrease of $3.9 million or 0.4 percent
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research:
The FY 2014 appropriation was $426.8 million
The FY 2015 request is $462.2 million, an increase of $35.4 million or 8.3 percent