Political Quotes

“once again, I would like to express my strong support for Representative Cramer's amendment to streamline the certification process for eliminating a National Weather Service office. When the National Weather Service began developing this comprehensive modernization program, we heard a lot about the revolutionary improvements this would bring to our weather forecasting system. I don't doubt the quality of the NEXRAD system. However, I am concerned that in the rush to revamp the system, a few areas have the potential of literally falling through the cracks. In my own communications with the National Weather Service, I heard repeated justifications and explanations for those areas which are long distances between NEXRAD facilities. An independent scientific review confirmed my fears that some areas of our country will actually suffer a loss of service under NEXRAD. Last year, the National Research Council completed its study of NEXRAD coverage and the potential for a degradation in service due to the field office consolidation. While the NRC study found NEXRAD will offer services above and beyond the current weather forecasting system, it also noted concern for areas a long distance from a proposed NEXRAD facility. One of those areas of concern is Williston, ND, whose old radar is 120 miles from the nearest NEXRAD facility.”