Table of Contents:

1.    Purpose

2.    Mission

        2.1    Program Emphasis
        2.2    Mission and Employee Work Priorities

3.    Relationships with Other Organizations and Groups

        3.1    Other NOAA Components
        3.2    Other Agencies
                3.2.1     OMB Circular A-62
                3.2.2     OMB Circular A-67
        3.3    International Community
        3.4    News Media and Telephone Companies
        3.5    Individual Cooperators
        3.6    Industrial Meteorologists

4.    History and Legal Basis

    4.1 Establishment under Signal Corps-1870
    4.2 Transfer to Agriculture-1890
            4.2.1     Organic Act
            4.2.2     Air Commerce Act
            4.2.3     Flood Control Act
    4.3 Transfer to Commerce-1940
            4.3.1     Federal Aviation Act
    4.4 Formation of ESSA-1965
    4.5 Creation of NOAA-1970
    4.6 Cooperative Agreements
            4.6.1     Public Law 22
            4.6.2     Intergovernmental Cooperation Act
    4.7 Other Legislation of Interest
            4.7.1     False Weather Reports
            4.7.2     Coast Guard Support
            4.7.3     Coast Guard Ocean Stations
            4.7.4     Selected Spending Authority
            4.7.5     Acceptability of Certified Records
            4.7.6     Hydrologic Support to Department of Agriculture
            4.7.7     Hydrologic Support to Department of Interior
            4.7.8     Various Areas of Cooperation with FAA
            4.7.9     Transfer of Property from DOD
            4.7.10    Authority for Arctic Stations
4.8    Authority for International Activities

1. Purpose. This chapter outlines the National Weather Service's mission, its historical and legal basis, and its relationship to other organizations and groups.

2. Mission. The National Weather Service (NWS), under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Department of Commerce, is responsible for providing weather service to the Nation. It is charged with responsibility for observing and reporting the weather and with issuing forecasts and warnings of weather an` `loods in the interest of national safety and economy. Enabling legislation provides for:

Public weather service

River and flood service

Specialized services to aviation, agricultural, forestry, marine, and commercial interests

Climatological service (Environmental Data Service (EDS) has primary responsibility under the NOAA organization; the National Weather Service manages the field program for EDS; see section 3.1)

Basic weather service, i.e., the observing, communications, and processing activities needed to support the other services.

While military services are not part of the mission, the National Weather Service is responsible for providing many basic services to the Department of Defense. These services are coordinated through the Office of the Federal Coordinator. The Department of Defense operates its own weather service agencies to fulfill specialized and unique requirements.

Within the framework outlined above,  and in very broad terms, the priorities for service to the Nation are:

1. protection of life,
2. protection of property, and
3. promotion of the Nation's welfare and economy.

The detailed responsibilities of the NWS within each service area will be found in the various parts of this manual as follows:

  

Public	- Part C
River and Flood	- Part E
Aviation	- Part D
Agricultural	- Part D
Forestry	- Part D
Marine	- Part D
Commercial	- Parts C & D
Climatological	- Part F
Basic	- Parts B, C, & G

2.1  Program Emphasis. The NWS can discharge its responsibilities only insofar as resources are made available to it directly or through cooperative arrangements. Allocating scarce resources is always a problem. Therefore, the plans and programs for carrying out the mission must be constantly reviewed in terms of the changing and ever-growing needs of the Napiin, with emphasis among service programs being revised as necessary.

A good example of this changing emphasis is the aviation program. Aviation service demands have continued to grow. In order to help meet this demand, the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA), NOAA's predecessor, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed the ESSA-FAA Memorandum of Agreement of 1965 under which the FAA assumed primary responsibility for pilot briefing and certain other activities (this will be eventually covered in more detail in D-01, "Aviation Weather Service Program"). This agreement has permitted the National Weather Service to place added emphasis on other activities vital to the various service programs, including aviation.

2.2 Mission and Employee Work Priorities. The first responsibility of field employees who provide real-time forecast, warning, and observing services is to protect life and property. This means that the acquisition of data on severe or otherwise dangerous weather conditions and the preparation and dissemination of warnings and/or observations of such conditions, as appropriate, must take precedence over all other assigned activities.

Conflicts in priorities occasionally arise, particularly for employees who may be on duty alone performing both surface observing and warning dissemination duties during adverse weather conditions. There are times when these duties seem equally important, usually when severe weather is imminent or occurring at or near the station. The dissemination of a severe weather or flood warning, including any necessary use of a locally available radar display, is the one activity which usually will take precedence over the surface observation. When the timing in the issuance of a warning is not quite so critical, e.g., the distribution of a heavy snow warning, the taking and dissemination of required observations will be given first priority. In the final analysis only the man on duty can properly assess the potential urgency in a given situation and he must make the final determination as to which responsibility, the observation or the warning, takes precedence since both involve life and property.

3. Relationships with Other Organizations and Groups. Many other agencies and groups support the NWS in the performance of its mission. This is both necessary and proper. At the same time, the NWS sometimes performs services for other organizations. These important relationships and their relevance to the mission are recognized in the paragraphs below.

3.1 Other NOAA Components. Climatological services are provided in cooperation with the Environmental Data Service (EDS). The EDS provides Washington-level program management for the climatological service, and funds and positions to operate the climatological field service. EDS also provides climatological data publications and analyses for local public service. The NWS supports EDS by providing climatological observational data, operating the climatological field service, performing simple climatological summarizations and furnishing climatological public service at local offices, and providing material for climatological publications.

The NWS depends upon the National Environmental Satellite Service (NESS)and the Environmental Research Laboratories (ERL) for support in the areas of satellite data and basic research, respectively. The NWS provides communications support to other NOAA components, mainly NESS and National Ocean Survey (NOS), produces basic data used by the ERL, and reports earthquakes to the NOS.

3.2  Other Agencies. Many other Federal, non-Federal, public, and private organizations make a very important contribution to the performance of the mission. Some of the more significant cooperative agreements, principally for observations and communications, exist with:

Department of Defense (U. S. Navy; U. S. Air Force; Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army; and Office of Civil Defense)
Department of  Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration and U. S. Coast Guard)
Department of  Interior (Geological Survey and Bureau of Reclamation)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
State Police and various other state organizations
Airlines and (report management groups.

The NWS also performs services for other Federal agencies on a reimbursable basis. Occasionally, these are services which could be construed as falling within the basic mission. In these instances, it is simply a matter of the other agency having the funds and a pressing need for the services, and the NWS not being in a position to support the activity directly.

Some of the services the NWS performs are not within the basic mission but are performed because the necessary technical competence exists within the organization. The NWS supports such activities whenever possible without compromising its basic mission.

3.2.1  OMB Circular A-62. Because of the growth in the meteorological activities of the various Federal agencies, Circular A-62 was issued on November 13, 1963. This circular prescribes policy guidelines and procedupaa for planning and conducting Federal meteorological services and applies research and development to improve such services.

The impact of the circular is summarized in the first section:

The guidelines (a) reaffirm the central role of the Department of Commerce with respect to basic meteorological services; (b) clarify the respective responsibilities of the Department of Commerce and the user agencies for basic and specialized meteorological services; (c) establish procedures to facilitate coordination and the timely resolution of outstanding issues; (d) provide for evaluating user requirements within the context of a balanced and integrated Federal plan; and (e) fix responsibility for continuing and systematic review of meteorological services and supporting research.

The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, NOAA Headquarters, is responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the circular are met.

3.2.2 OMB Circular A-67. This circular provides for the coordination of Federal activities in the acquisition of certain water data. Guidelines are prescribed for coordinated activities in acquiring water data from streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and ground plots and experimental watersheds, and data on precipitation, evaporation, snow accumulation, and soil moisture.

The Department of the Interior has been assigned the responsibility for leadership in the discharge of activities under this circular through the Office of Water Data Coordination (OWDC) in the Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. A Federal Advisory Committee on Water Data provides coordinated interagency input to OWDC. The Associate Director (Hydrology) serves as NOAA/NWS member.

3.3 International Community. The NWS has a definite obligation to support the activities of the international organizations such as the World Mepairological Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. These organizations promote mutually beneficial agreements and programs which enhance the ability of the NWS to perform its explicit national mission.

3.4 News Media and Telephone Companies. The news media and the telephone companies (especially those operating highvolume automatic equipment dedicated to weather information) are essential to the NWS's service program. Without these outlets the task of relaying forecasts, warnings, and observational data in a timely fashion to the public would be virtually impossible. Their contribution does not stop there, however. The media also play an important role in disseminating various types of summaries, tabular data, and news stories and articles.

3.5 Individual Cooperators. Thousands of private citizens make an invaluable contribution to the observing and warning activities. For a more detailed discussion on the largest groups involved see WSOM Chapters B-15, "Part-time Paid an Cooperative Surface Stations," B-17, "Suhstation Management," and B-21, "Severe Storm Networks."

3.6 Industrial Meteorologists. NOAA and the NWS both encourage and support a healthy growth of the qualified private sector of meteorology. Guidelines on the relative roles of the NWS and the private sector are given in WSOM Chapter A-55, "Policy on Industrial Meteorology."

4. History and Legal Basis. The NWS has a long history. It is important to consider this history and various laws, relating both directly and indirectly to its mission, in reviewing the current mission. (Note: Reorganization Plans No. 5 of 1950 and No. 2 of 1965 had the effect of substituting "Secretary of Commerce" for "Chief of   Bureau" and "Department of Commerce" for "Weather Bureau" in the various legal citations which follow. Also, legal authorities cited herein are not completely exhaustive and are subject to change. Therefore, legal questions regarding these authorities should be referred to the NOAA Staff Attorney.)

4.1 Establishment under Signal Corps-1870. Dr. James Tilton, the Surgeon General of the Army, ordered the first government collection of weather observations. During the War of 1812, he directed his hospital surgeons to observe the weather and maintain climatological records.

In 1849, an extensive meteorological system was established by Professor Joseph Henry of the Smithsonian Institution. This was accomplished by supplying the telegraph companies with weather measuring instruments. However, it was not until 1858 that the Institution began the practical application of meteorology by the  preparation of a daily exhibit of weather reports on a map of the United States. This application continued until 1861 when it was discontinued after the outbreak of the Civil War.

In 1869, Congressman H. E. Paine of Wisconsin introduced a bill for the establishment of a national weather service under the Secretary of War. This personal interest by the Congressman was created by I. A. Lapham of Milwaukee, an observer for the Smithsonian Institution. Lapham had repeatedly urged the creation of a weather warning system for Great Lakes shipping. Paine, however, viewed the system as having more worthwhile significance if it were a national service.

The bill authorized and required the Secretary of War to provide for the taking of meteorological observations at military stations and other points in the United States and Territories of the United States, for giving nothaa on the Northern Lakes and on the sea coast, by magnetic telegraph and marine signals, of the approach and force of storms.

The bill, as Joint Resolution HR143, was passed by the House of Representatives and Senate and signed by the President on February 9, 1870. Because of the intense interest in weather observations displayed by Col. Albert J. Meyer, the head of the Signal Service, the authority for the newly created weather service was placed under his direction.

4.2 Transfer to Agriculture-1890. In 1884, Congress appointed a Joint Commission to review the scientific work of the Government. The report of the Commission as issued in 1886, stated that the weather service did not belong in the military and it should be considered as a civil activity because of its nature and character.

A number of Congressional bills were introduced but none was approved until the "Organic Act" of 1890. Under the provisions of this Act the Weather Service was transferred from the Signal Corps to the Department of Agriculture. The transfer was effective July 1, 1891.

4.2.1 Organic Act. The Organic Act now reads:

15 USC 313. Duties. The Secretary of Commerce ... shall have charge of the forecasting of the weather, the issuance of storm warnings, the display of weather and flood signals for the benefit of agriculture, commerce, and navigation, the gauging and reporting of rivers, the maintenance and operation of sea coast telegraph lines and the collection and transmission of marin` (ntelligence for the benefit of commerce and navigation, the reporting of temperature and rainfall conditions for the cotton interests, the display of frost and cold-wave signals, the distribution of meteorological information in the interests of agriculture and commerce, and the taking of such meteorological observations as may be necessary to establish and r-ecord the climatic conditions of the United States, or as are essential for the proper execution of the foregoing duties.

4.2.2 Air Commerce Act. The Air Commerce Act of 1926 added a new area of responsibility for providing weather services. The rapid growth of civil aviation created a demand for such services. The Act reads in part:

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of Commerce ... (a) to furnish such weather reports, forecasts, warnings, and advices as may be required to promote `he safety and efficiency of air navigation in the United State5 and above the high seas, particularly upon the civil airways designated by the Secretary of Commerce under authority of law as routes suitable for air commerce, and (b) for such purposes to observe, measure, and investigate atmospheric phenomena and establish meteorological offices and stations.

4.2.3 Flood Control Act. Another area of responsibility was created by the Flood Control Act of 1938 (33 USC 706). This Act came into being as a result of the need for a more effective warning and flood control system. The Flood Control Act of 1938 authorized allotment of funds from appropriations for flood control for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of a current information service on precipitation, flood forecasts, and flood warnings, whenever in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers and the Secretary of Commerce such service is advisable in connection with flood control purposes. The Congressional bill reads:

33 USC 706. Current information, appropriations. There is authorized an expenditure as required, for any appropriations heretofore or hereafter made for flood control, rivers and harbors, and related purposes by the United States, for the establishment, operation, and maintenance by the Weather Bureau of a network of recording and non-recording precipitation stations, known as the Hydroclimatic Network, whenever in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers and the Secretary of Commerce such service is advisable in connection with either preliminary examinations and surveys or work improvement authorized by the law for flood control, rivers and harbors, and related purposes, and the Secretary of the Army upon the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers is authorized to allot the Department of Commerce funds for said expenditure.

4.3 Transfer to Commerce-1940. The NWS remained under the authority of the Department of Agriculture for almost fifty years. Then on June 30, 1940, the Weather Bureau was transferred to the Department of Commerce. In relevent part the reorganization plan now reads:

Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1940, Transfer of Weather Bureau. The Weather Bureau in the Department of Agriculture and its functions are transferred to the Department of Commerce and shall be administered under the direction and supervision of the Secretary of Commerce: Provided, that the Department of Agriculture may continue to make snow surveys and to conduct research concerning: (a) relationships between weather and crops, (b) long-range weather forecasting, and (c) relationships between weather and soil erosion (Effective June 30, 1940, 5 H.R. 2421, 54 Stat. 1236.)

In his message which accomplished Reorganization Plan 4, President Roosevelt made the following reference to the Weather Bureau:

"...The importance of the Weather Bureau's function to the Nation's commerce has also led to the decision to transfer this Bureau to the Department of Commerce. The development of the aviation industry has imposed upon the Weather Bureau a major responsibility in the field of Air Transportation. The transfer to the Department of Commerce, as provided in this plan, will permit better coordination of Government activities relating to aviation and to commerce generally without in any way lessening the Bureau's contribution to agriculture...."

4.3.1 Federal Aviation Act. Public Law 85-726 (49 USC 1463), effective August 23, 1958, also known as the Federal Aviation Act, broadened the scope of responsibility of the Secretary of Commerce concerning air navigation. It provides:

49 USC 1463. National Weather Service. In order to promote safety and efficiency in air navigatihh to the highest possible degree, the Secretary of Commerce, shall, in addition to any other functions or duties pertaining to weather information for other purposes, (1) make such observations, measurements, investigations, and studies of atmospheric phenomena, and establish such meteorological offices and stations, as are necessary or best suited for ascertaining, in advance, information concerning probable weather conditions; (2) furnish such reports, forecasts, warnings, and advices to the Administrator, and to such other persons engaged in civil aeronautics as may be designated by the Administrator, and to such other persons as the Secretary of Commerce may determine, and such reports shall be made in such a manner and with such frequency as will best result in safety in and in facilitating air navigation; (3) cooperate with persons engaged in air commerce,  or employees thereof,  in meteorological service, establish amd maintain reciprocal arrangements under which this provision is to be carried out and collect and disseminate weather reports available from aircraft in flight; (4) establish and coordinate the international exchanges of meteorological information required for the safety and efficiency of air navigation; (5) participate in the development of an international basic meteorological reporting network, including the establishment, operation, and maintenance of reporting stations on the high seas, in polar regions, and in foreign countries in cooperation with other Governmental agencies of the United States and the meteorological services of foreign countries and with persons engaged in air commerce; (6) coordinate meteorological requirements in the United States in order to maintain standard observations,   promote efficient use of facilities and avoid duplication of service unless such duplication tends to promote the safety and efficiency of air navigation; and (7) promote and develop meteorological science and foster and support research projects in meteorology through the utilization of private and governmental research facilities and provide for the publication of the results of such research projects unless such publication would be contrary to the public interest. (Pub. L. 85-726, title VIII, 803, Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 783.)

4.4 Formation of  ESSA-1965. In 1964 Dr. J. Herbert Hollomon, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Science and Technology at the time, established a committee to review environmental science service activities of the Department. He asked the committee--composed of Dr. Allen V. Astin, Director of the National Bureau of Standards, Adm. H. Arnold Karo, then Director of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and Dr. Robert M. White, then Chief of the Weather Bureau-- to suggest ways of improving these programs and making them more effective and economical. The special committee, with the advice and council of a panel of eminent non-Government scientists, recommended the creation of a new organization, bringing together the environmental science service activities of the Weather Bureau, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the Central Radio Propagation Laboratory of the National Bureau of Standards. The committee's recommendation was approved by Assistant Secretary Hollomon, by the Secretary of Commerce, and finally by the President.

On May 13, 1965, President Johnson submitted to Congress his Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1965, proposing the consolidation of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, the Weather Bureau, and the Central Radio Propagation Laboratory to form the Environmental Science Services Administration. In the words of the President, ESSA would provide "a single national focus to describe, understand, and predict the state of the oceans, the state of the upper and low``atmosphere, and the size and shape of the earth."

Pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 5 of 1950 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1965,all functions, powers, and authorities contained in the statutes applicable to the functions exercised in the Department of Commerce, were vested in the Secretary of Commerce. Two months later, on July 13, ESSA came into being. A departmental order delegated authority to the Administrator, ESSA, for NWS activities provided for in earlier legislation.

4.5 Creation of NOAA-1970. In 1966 the Congress passed Public Law 89-454 which provided for the establishment of a Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and Resources to study a broad array of marine problems. The Commission was chaired by Mr. Julius A. Stratton, Chairman of the Ford Foundation,and included many distinguished citizens from the public and private sector, including the Administrator of ESSA, Dr. Robert M. White. The report of the Commission was issued in January of 1969. It contained series of recommendations for action, including one on the creation of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency.

After further study by the Executive Branch and some modification of the original proposal, President Nixon submitted to Congress on July 9, 1970, his Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 proposing the creation of NOAA within the U. S. Department of Commerce. This proposal involved the consolidation of ESSA; the Interior Department's Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Marine Game Fish Research Program, and Marine Minerals Technology Center; the Navy-administered National Oceanographic Data Center and National Oceanographic Instrumentation Center; the Coast Guard's National Data Buoy Development Project; the National Science Foundation's National Sea Grant Program; and elements of the Army Corps of Engineers' U. S. Lake Survey.

The following description of the hew agency was given by President Nixon in submitting the Reorganization Plan to the Congress:

"NOAA would make possible a balanced Federal program to improve our understanding of the resources of the sea, and permit their development and use while guarding against the sort of thoughtless exploitation that in the past laid waste to so many of our precious natural assets. It would make possible a consolidated program for achieving a more comprehensive understanding of oceanic and atmospheric phenomena, which so greatly affect our lives and activities. It would facilitate the cooperation between public and private interests that can best serve the interests of all.

"I expect that NOAA would exercise leadership in developing a national oceanic and atmospheric program of research and development. It would coordinate its own scientific and technical resources with the technical and operational capabilities of other government agencies and private institutions. As important, NOAA would continue to provide those services to other agencies of government, industry, and to private individuals which have become essential to the efficient operation of our transportation system, our agriculture, and our national security."

NOAA came into being on October 3, 1970. Department Organization Order 25-2A, October 9, 1970, delegated authority to the Administrator, NOAA, for weather service activities provided for in earlier legislation. Department Organization Order 25-2B, October 9, 1970, outlined the organization and states the following with respect to the NWS:

The National Weather Service (NWS) shall observe and report the weather of the United States and its possessions and issue forecasts and warnings of weather and flood conditions that affect the Nation's safety, welfare and economy; develop the.National Meteorological Service System; participate in international meteorolo`iaal and hydrological activities, including exchanges of meteorological data and forecasts; and provide forecasts for domestic and international aviation and for shipping on the high seas.

4.6 Cooperative Agreements. Two laws, Public Law 22 of the 66th Congress and Public Law 90-577, provide for cooperation with various agencies and groups.

4.6.1 Public Law 22. Public Law 22 of the 66th Congress, (7 USC 450b) provides for agreement authority under which the National Weather Service may cooperate with other public and private organizations and receive reimbursement. This cooperative agreement authority extends to all functions of the NWS which existed in 1940 at the time that it was transferred to the Department of Commerce.

4.6.2 Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. Public Law 90-577 (42 USC 4201 et. seq.) (82 Stat. 1098), the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, provides for cooperation between the Federal Government and state and local governments on a reimbursable basis for the provision of technical and scientific services.

4.7 Other Legislation of Interest. This section lists certain other legislation of interest in connection with the NWS's current mission.

4.7.1 False Weather Reports. 18 USC 2074. Whoever knowingly issues or publishes any counterfeit weather forecast or warning of weather conditions falsely representing such forecast or warning to have been issued or published by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, or other branch of the Government service, shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than ninety days or both. (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 795.)

4.7.2 Coast Guard Support. 14 USC 147. Department of Commerce (National Weather Service). In order to promote the safety of life and property on and over the high seas and waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, and to facilitate the preparation and dissemination by the Department of Commerce of the weather reports forecasts, and warnings essential to the safe and efficient conduct of domestic and international commerce on and over such high seas and waters, the Commandant may cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce by procuring, maintaining, and making available, facilities and assistance for observing, investigating, and communicating weather phenomena and for disseminating weather data, forecasts, and warnings, the mutually satisfactory terms of such cooperation in weather service to be agreed upon and arranged between the Commandant and the Secretary of Commerce. (Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 507.)

4.7.3 Coast Guard Ocean Stations. 14 USC 90. (a) The Coast Guard is authorized to operate and maintain floating ocean stations for the purpose of providing search  and rescue, communication, and air navigation facilities, and meteorological services in such ocean areas as are regularly traversed by aircraft of the United States. (Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 502; Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85-726, title XIV, 1404, 72 Stat. 808.)

4.7.4 Selected Spending Authority. 15 USC 325. Appropriations now or hereafter provided for the Department of Commerce shall be available for: (a) furnishing food and shelter, without repayment therefor, to employees of the Government assigned to Arctic stations; (b) equipment and maintenance of meteorological offices and stations, and maintenance and operation of meteorological facilities outside the United States by contract or otherwise; (c) repairing, altering, and improving of buildings occupied by the Department, and care and preservation of grounds, including the chhatruction of necessary outbuildings and sidewalks on public streets abutting the grounds of the Department of Commerce; (d) arranging for communication services at rates to be fixed by the Secretary of Commerce by agreement with the companies performing the services when determined to be advantageous to the Government; and (e) purchasing tabulating cards and continuous form tabulating paper . (June 2, 1948, ch. 373, 1 , 62 Stat. 286. )

4.7.5 Acceptability of Certified Records. 28 USC 1733. (a) Books or records of account or minutes of proceedings of any department or agency of the United States shall be admissable to prove the act, transaction or occurrence as a memorandum of which the same were made or kept.

    (b)     Properly authenticated copies or transcripts of any books, records, papers or documents of any department or agency of the United States shall be admitted in evidence equally with the originals thereof. (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 946. )

4.7.6 Hydrologic Support to Department of Agriculture. 16 USC 1005. Works of improvement; engineering and other services; Federal construction; submission of plans; regulations.

NOTE: Ex. Ord. No. 10584, Dec. 20, 1954, 19 F.R. 8725, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 10913, Jan. 19, 1961, 26 F.R. 510, provided:

Section 7. Dasic Data. In the utilization of existing basic physical and economic data, and in the acquisition of additional basic data required for planning, design, construction, operation, and evaluation of works of improvement authorized under the Act (this chapter), the Department of Agriculture shall be assisted by the principal basic-data collection agencies, including Geological Survey in the Department of Interior and the Department of Commerce. The basic-data collection agencies shall assist and cooperate with the Department of Agriculture with respect to the following:

    (a)     Provision of pertineh` information in the preliminary planning of works of improvement.

    (b)     Collaboration in planning programs of hydrologic-data collection in project areas, in the selection of station sites and installation of equipment for collecting hydrologic-data, and in the collection of such data.

    (c)     Collaboration in the analysis and interpretation of hydrologic data collected specifically for projects initiated under the Act (this chapter), and of relevant data which may contribute to an analysis of the effects of such projects.

4.7.7 Hydrologic Support to Department of Interior. 16 USC 1006. The Secretary (Interior) is authorized in cooperation with other Federal and with states and local agencies to make investigations and surveys of the watersheds of rivers and other waterways as a basis for the development of coordinated programs. In areas where the programs of the Secretary of Agriculture may affect the public or other lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Inp$"ior, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to cooperate with the Secretary of Agriculture in the planning and development of works or programs for such lands. (Aug. 4, 1954, ch. 656, 6, 68 Stat. 668.)

4.7.8 Various Areas of Cooperation with FAA. 40 USC 474. Congress, departments, agencies, corporations, and persons exempted from provisions. (14) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration or the Secretary of Commerce with respect to the disposal of airport property and purpose for use as such property. For the purpose of this paragraph the terms "airport property" and "airway property" shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the International Aviation Facilities Act. (June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title VI, 602 (c, d), formerly title V, 502, (c, d), 63 Stat. 401; Aug. 10, 1949, ch. 412, 12 (a), 60 Atat. 591; renumbered and amended Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, 6 (a, b), 7 (e), 8 (c), 64 Stat. 583, 590; Aug. 23, 1958, Pb. L. 85-726, title XIV, 1406, 72 Stat. 808.)

49 USC 1110. Project sponsorship; requirements; contracts between Administrator and public agencies; relief of sponsors. As a condition precedent to his approval of a project under this chapter, the Administrator shall receive assurances in writing, satisfactory to him that -

#(6) the airport operator or owner will furnish without cost to the Federal Government for use in connection with any air traffic control activities, or weather-reporting activities and communication activities related to air traffic control, such areas of land or water, or estate therein, or rights in buildings of the sponsor as the Administrator may consider necessary or desirable for construction at Federal expense of space or facilities for such purposes; # (May 13, 1946, ch. 251, 11, 60 Stat. 176.)

49 USC 1152. Establishment and operation of airport and airway property (. foreign territories. Subject to concurrence of the Secretary of State, and with due regard for the objectives of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (hereinafter referred to as the "Administrator") and the Secretary of Commerce, within their respective fields, are authorized, by contract or otherwise, to acquire, establish, and construct airport property and airway property in foreign territory; Provided, however, That, except in the case of airport property transferred under section 1157 of this title, no airport (as defined in section 401 of this title) may be acquired, established, or constructed under authority of this section unless funds for such purpose have been specifically appropriated by the Congress. (June 16, 1948, ch. 473, 3, 62 Stat. 451; Aug. 23, 1958, Pb. L. 85-726, titleXIV, 1403, 72 Stat. 808.)

49 USC 1153. Training of foreign nationals in aeronautics and related subjects. Subject to the concurrence of the Secretary of State, the Administrator and the Secretary of Commerce, within their respective fields, are authorized within or outside the United States to train foreign nationals directly, or in conjunction with any United States Government agency, or through any United States public or private agency (including any State or municipal educational institute), or through any international organization, in aeronautical and related subjects essential to the orderly and safe operation of civil aircraft. (June 14, 1948, ch. 473, 4, 62 Stat. 451.)

49 USC 1154. Acceptance of foreign funds for facilities supplied or services rendered to foreign governments or international organizations. The Administrator and the Secretary of Commerce, respectively, are authorized to accept, on behalf of the United States, funds from any foreign government or from any international organizath.. as payment for any facilities supplied or services performed for such government or international organization by the Administrator or the Secretary of Commerce, either directly or indirectly, under authority of this chapter or the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended, including the operation of airport property and airway property in such countries, the training of foreign nationals, the rendering of technical assistance and advice to such countries, and the performance of other similar services. Funds so received may be credited (A) to appropriations current at the time the expenditures are to be or have been paid, (B) to appropriations current at the time such amounts are received, or (C) in part as provided under clause (A) and in part as provided under clause (B). (June 14, 1948, ch. 473, 5, 62 Stat. 451.)

49 USC 1155. Transference of airport or airway property to foreign governments or international organizations. The Administrator or the Secretary of Commerce, as the case may be, upon request of the foreign government involved or of any international organization, may transfer any airport property or airway property operated and maintained by him within foreign territory, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, to the foreign government involved or to any international organization. The Administrator or the Secretary of Commerce, as the case may be, is authorized to make such transfer upon such terms and conditions as he deems proper, including provisions for receiving, on behalf of the United States, such payment of other consideration for the property so transferred as may be agreed upon through negotiations with the foreign government or international organization involved. (June 14, 1948, ch. 473, 6, 62 Stat. 452; Aug. 23, 1958, Pb. L. 85-726, title XIV, 1403, 72 Stat. 808.)

49 USC 1159. Powers (International Aviation Facilities). (b) Secretary of Commerce. With regard to meteorological facilities in territory (including Alaska) outside the continental limits of the United States which he has acquired pursuant to this chapter or any other provisions of law, the Secretary of Commerce is vested with all powers to consolidate, operate, protect, maintain, improve, and administer granted the Administrator by subsection (a) of this section with respect to facilities the latter has acquired.

(c) Disposition of receipts. All funds received under this secpiin, as a result of direct sale or charge by the Administrator or the Secretary of Commerce and which, in the judgement of the Administrator or the Secretary of Commerce, as the case may be, are equivalent to the cost, including handling charges, of the fuel, oil, equipment, food, supplies, services, shelter, or other assistance or services sold or furnished shall be credited to the appropriation from which the cost thereof was paid, and the balance, if any, shall be credited to miscellaneous receipts.

    (d) Leases or contracts unaffected by Section 5 of Title 41. The provisions of Section 5 of Title 41, shall not apply to any of the leases pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (June 16, 1948, ch. 473, 10, 62 Stat. 453.)

49 USC 1160. Utilization of facilities and services of other Government agencies. The Administrator and the Secretary of Commerce are authorized and directed, in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, insofar as they find it practicable, to arrange for the use of appropriate facilities or services of other United States Government agencies, and to reimburse any such agency for such service out of funds appropriated to the Federal Aviation Administration or the Department of Commerce, as the case may be, to the end that personnel and facilities of existing United States Government receiving any such request is authorized to furnish such facilities or to perform such services. (June 16, 1948, ch. 473, 11, 62 Stat. 454; Aug. 23, 1958, Pb. L. 85-726, title XIV, 1403, 72 Stat. 808.)

49 USC 1351. Meteorological service. The Administrator is empowered and directed to make recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce for providing meteorological service necessary for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in air commerce. In providing meteorological services, the Secretary of Commerce shall cooperate with the Administrator and give full considepa`ion to such recommendations. (Pb. L. 85-726, title III, 310, Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 751.)

4.7.9 Transfer of Property from DOD. 49 USC 1157. Transfer of certain property from the Department of Defense to the Administrator or Department of Commerce.

    (a)     When considered consistant with the needs of national defense, and subject to such conditions, if any, as may be agreed upon in specific cases between the parties, any department of the Department of Defense is authorized to transfer at its discretion to the Administrator, without charge thereof, airport property and airway property, exclusive of meteorological facilities, installed by or in the possession of such department in territory (including Alaska) outside the continental limits of the United States, which such department has found to be no longer required exclusively for h(,itary purposes and which in the opinion of the Administrator are, or are likely to become, necessary for carrying out the purposes of this chapter.

    (b)     When considered consistant with the needs of national defense, and subject to such conditions, if any, as may be agreed upon in specific cases between the parties, any department of the Department of Defense is authorized to transfer at its discretion to the Secretary of Commerce, without charge thereof, meteorological facilities installed by or in the possession of such department in territory (including Alaska) outside the continental limits of the United States, which such department has found to be no longer required exclusively for military purposes, and which, in the opinion of the Secretary of Commerce are, or are likely to become, necessary for carrying out purposes of this chapter.

    (c)     All property transferred to the Department of Commerce under the provision of Executive Order 9709, dated March 29, 1946, and Executive Order 9797, dated November 6, 1946, and which is in the possession of the Department of Commerce on June 16, 1948, shall be considered as property transferred pursuant to this section. (June 16, 1948, ch. 473, 8, 62 Stat. 452; Aug. 10, 1949, ch. 412, 12, (a), 63 Stat. 591; Aug. 23, 1958, Pb. L. 85-726, title XIV, 1403, 72 Stat. 808.)

49 USC 1158. Repossession of property transferred under Sections 1156 and 1157 of this title. When necessary to meet military requirements, as determined by the Secretary of the department which made the transfer, such department is authorized immediately to retake any property transferred under Sections 1156 or 1157 of this title, together with any improvements or additions made thereto: Provided, That the Secretary of such department, upon the recommendation of the Administrator or the Secretary of Commerce, as the case may be, is authorized in any case to waive any right or privilege conferred or reserved by this section. In the event property is retaken which incorporates improvements or additions not made at Government expense, reasonable compensation shall be paid to the person or persons who made such improvements or additions, or to their successors in interest. The Secretary of the department which made the transfer, or his duly authorized representative, shall determine, for purposes of this section, what is reasonable compensation for such improvements or additions. (June 16, 1948, ch. 473, 9, 62 Stat. 453.)

4.7.10 Authority for Arctic Stations. 15 USC 313a. Establishment of meteorological observation stations in the Arctic region. In order to improve the weather forecasting service of the United States and to promote safety and efficiency in civil air navigation to the highest possible degree, the Secretary of Commerce, shall, in addition to his other functions and duties, take such action as may be necessary in the development of an international basic meteorological reporting network in the Arctic region of the Western Hemisphere, including the establishment, operation, and maintenance of such reporting stations in cooperation with the State Department and other United States governmental departments and agencies, with the meteorological services of foreign countries and with persons engaged in air commerce. (Feb. 12, 1946, ch. 4, 1. 60 Stat. 4.)

15 USC 327. Employees for conduct of meteorological investigations in Ar``ic regions; appointment and compensation; extra compensation to other Government employees for taking observations. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to (a) appoint employees for the conduct of meteorological investigations in the Arctic region without regard to the civil service laws and fix their compensation without regard to the Classification Act of 1949, as amended, and titles II and III of the Federal Employees Pay Act of 1945, as amended, at base rates not to exceed the maximum scheduled rate for GS-12, and (b) grant extra compensation to employees of other Government agencies for taking and transmitting meteorological observations. (As amended Mar. 28, 1960, Pb. L. 86-397, 2, 74 Stat. 11.)

15 USC 329. Compensation of employees conducting meteorological investigations in Arctic region. Section, Pb. L. 85-469, title I, 101, June 25, 1958, 72 Stat. 230* Pb. L. 86-88, title I, 101, July 13, 1959, Stat. 207, which prescribed the maximum base rate of pay for employees conducting meteorological investigations in the Arctic region, was from an appropriation act and is omitted in view of Section 327 of this title which authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish the rates of compensation for such personnel. Provisions of this section were repeat-ed in Pb. L. 86-451, title I, 101, May 13, 1960, 74 Stat. 99.

4.8 Authority for International Activities. Several of the authorities cited earlier support international activities in which the NWS is engaged. Senate Resolution 67, 90th Congress, 2nd Session, May 29, 1968, and a Presidential memorandum dated July 5, 1968, provide the basis for support to WMO programs as do various appropriations acts.

                                                       U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                                                       Washington, D.C. 20230

                                                        OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR    August 29, 1977

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL NOAA EMPLOYEES

FROM:    RICHARD A. FRANK
                ADMINISTRATOR

SUBJECT:      REORGANIZATION OF NOAA

Secretary of Commerce Juanita M. Kreps has just approved a recommendation for reorganization of NOAA. Although the changes involved will immediately affect only a small fraction of NOAA's employees, I believe you will want to know about the new structure and how it will be expected to operate.

When I arrived at NOAA, I received a comprehensive reorganization Option Paper that had been prepared by the Assistant Secretary for Policy of the Department of Commerce. That paper had been stimulated by reorganization proposals suggested by Senator Hollings and the National Ocean Policy Study, and included options suggested by others, including the Department of Commerce, Dr. Robert M. White, and other NOAA personnel. I distributed the Option Paper to senior NOAA personnel, asked their views about reorganization, and met with them in groups and individually. Furthermore, I met with all potentially interested Members of Congress, Congressional committee staffs, interested persons in the Department of Commerce, White House staff, OMB staff, the scientific community, constituencies, and others in the ocean and atmospheric communities. During these meetings, I discussed several possible reorganization plans and solicited views.

The overwhelming majority of individuals with whom I spoke believed that a reorganization was advisable, to make NOAA more cohesive and efficient, to improve specific aspects of the agency's operations, or simply to revitalize NOAA.

On the basis of these discussions, I proposed to the Secretary that we adopt the structure outlined in the attached chart.

The new structure will incorporate the following fundamental changes:

-- The Associate Administrators would become line operators, rather than staff. They would be denominated Assistant Administrators, a title more commonly used in other agencies.

-- The Environmental Research Labs, Sea Grant, and the Office of Ocean Engineering will be combined under an Assistant Administrator for research and development with the result that that Assistant Administrator will be a focus for oceanic and atmospheric science and would be the interface with the scientific and academic community.

-- NOAA's major service functions, NWS, NESS, NOS, and EDS, will be combined under an Assistant Administrator for Oceanic Atmospheric Services.

-- The Associate Administrator for Coastal Zone Management would remain essentially as that office now is (with the title changed to Assistant Administrator to parallel the other Assistant Administrators).

-- An Assistant Administrator for Fisheries will be created, to be responsible for fisheries policy and the direction of the National Marine Fisheries Service, thus upgrading that function.

-- An Assistant Administrator for Policy and Planning will be created.

-- The offices of Associate Administrator for Marine Resources and Associate Administrator for Environmental Monitoring will be abolished.

-- An Office of Ocean Management will be established. That office would plan for and assess ocean uses in a manner analogous to land use planning.

-- An Office of National Climate Policy will be formed under the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development, to provide a focus for this important new mandate.

This reorganization plan is currently being reviewed by the President's Reorganization Project at OMB and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and would be put into effect on October 1.

In the interim I will be working with the MLC directors and other agency personnel and consulting with affected individuals to assure as smooth a transition as possible.

If you have any questions about the impact of this reorganization or special concerns that you think have been neglected, please bring them to the attention of your supervisor, who is being provided with additional background information.

My experience with NOAA's employees so far has persuaded me that this agency has an enormous amount of talent and capacity for work.  Further, our responsibilities are interesting--indeed fascinating--and of great importance to the country. I hope that, with this new structure and your help, we can put those talents and capacities to even more effective use in carrying out NOAA's mission as the federal government's lead civilian oceans and atmospheric agency.

                                                      U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                                                       Washington, D.C. 20230            PA12

February 19, 1974

SUBJECT:      Transmittal Memorandum for Operations Manual Issuance 74-7

TO :    All Holders of Operations Manual

1.    Material Transmitted:

Revised Chapter A-05, Public Affairs.

2.    Summary:

This chapter gives general guidance for effective relationships with the public and the news media.

Section 5 has been changed to reflect NOAA Directives Manual Guidance for information requests.

3.    Effect on Other Instructions:

This chapter cancels Chapter A-05,Public Information, TM 67-8 dated December 12, 1967 Part A Table of Contents should be changed to reflect the new title, "Public Affairs."

George P. Cressman
Director, National Weather Service

Issue Date    Org. Code   NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE       Part     Chap.
2-19-74        PA12               Operations Manual                               A              05

Table of Contents:

1.   Purpose

2.    Role of the Individual Employee

3.    The Media

4.    Written Reports

* 5.    Routine Information Requests

1.   Purpose. This chapter gives general guidance for effective relationships with the public and news media in the dissemination of   information. Detailed instructions on specific services and activities are covered in appropriate chapters throughout the manual.

2.   Role of the Individual Employee. The National Weather Service has a closer daily association with the public and the media than any other governmental organization. Every employee who has an occasion to answer a telephone or reply to a letter is identified in the public mind as "the National Weather Service." Our organization, therefore, is each of us and all of us. This must be held as a paramount consideration in a discussion of public relations. Each member is a representative whose actions and responses in the public interest shape the image of the National Weather Service. Individual indiscretion in the performance of duty can bring embarrassment upon the entire National Weather Service.

Even under the most severe weather and flood conditions, the public is not cognizant (nor should it be) of the extra workloads and pressures that National Weather Service staffs must endure. The tensions and anxieties that may build up within our offices must not find an escape in communications with the citizenry or with the media attempting to perform their assigned functions.

Courtesy is expected from National Weather Service personnel. Patience may, at times, strain the psyche, but it strengthens the bond. The National Weather Service is charged with the responsibility of serving the public with efficiency and respect. Nothing else will do.

Guidelines in the area of public information must, of necessity, be broad. Each of us is different. Personalities vary. The virtues of cooperation, tact, forbearance, and understanding are projected more naturally by some than by others. A problem situation can have a variety of solutions, each equally good. The one thing common to all is attitude, the desire to respond to the issue at hand with intelligence and maturity.

The field station is the closest link to the public. Here the National Weather Service acquires its reputation, for good or bad. Most people know the National Weather Service only from the perspective of the office that serves them. The meteorologist-in-charge and their staffs are the important image-makers on the public frontier. They have the heaviest burdens toward satisfying the user.

3.   The Media. The press, radio, and television demand, and merit, special attention since they are the direct pipeline to the public. Greatest productivity can be obtained if certain principles are observed.

    a.      Be fair. Any story initiated by the National Weather Service should be disseminated equally and without bias to every newspaper, radio, and television station within the area of responsibility. "Leaking" tips makes enemies.

    b.      Develop trust. A reporter initiating an "exclusive" story should be assisted as much as possible, but his project should be held in strict confidence until it has been presented publicly. The media understand and expect this.

    c.      Avoid "off-the-record" comment. Give all permissible information clearly and honestly, with full background assistance as needed, but confidential material that should be withheld pending clearance can be misinterpreted and published if allowed to seep out.

    d.      Solicit guidance. If undue pressure is brought to bear for information in a sensitive area, call upon the regional headquarters for assistance. The regional headquarters, if necessary, will turn to Washington for guidance.

    e.      React quickly. The media has deadlines and becomes impatient with long delays. Use the fastest facility to respond to requests.

    f.      Be patient. Remember that most reporters are merely laymen in the area of meteorology and require detailed explanation of weather features. A story frequently reflects the ability or inability of National Weather Service personnel to make themselves understood.

    g.      Be available. Radio or television stations may want on-the-spot live broadcasts, often as a general feature but especially during severe storms and floods when National Weather Service facilities seem strained to the breaking point. However, the public will expect your explanation of existing or predicted conditions. Newspapers also will be seeking out impromptu interviews, explanatory stories and up-to-the-minute developments. Do the best you can to cooperate.

    h.      Spread the job around. There is no reason why the MIC or guidance forecaster should assume the total burden of trying to satisfy the media. Other personnel should become familiar with the microphone and telephone. It is surprising how well they can do at broadcasting an impromptu message or explanation after a few attempts. Make sure, however, that the output from your office is consistent and current.

    i.      Let the teletype help. Although most reporters insist on speaking to some one at the National Weather Service during dangerous storms, they can be educated to rely on city loop teletype or NOAA Weather Wire messages for much of the background information provided it is prepared comprehensively and frequently. Too often, when manpower is limited, there may be a tendency to slight the teletype circuit when it is needed most.

    j.      Be alert. Too much may be expected of the National Weather Service. Meteorologists and hydrologists are expected to be good forecasters, good writers, good broadcasters, and good at whatever other duties they are compelled to perform. However, relationships with the media can be greatly enhanced if the MIC's and their assistants develop an awareness of the news importance of internal events beyond the scope of routine forecasts. Changes in forecasting, observational, and dissemination techniques could be of interest to the public and should be announced promptly when they are operational. The media appreciates an understanding of its needs. At the same time, we show that there is life and vitality in the National Weather Service.

    k.      Be generous with interviews. Most media representatives are friendly and responsive when you get to know them. Generally, they will react fairly and responsibly to National Weather Service problems and requests. They will even, on occasion, rally to your side in a tight situation. Do not judge them all by an isolated dissenter.

    l.      Set up a briefing area where facilities are available. A special media section, no matter how modest, within the National Weather Service offices generates a feeling of belonging that is important to the press and the National Weather Service alike. From our point of view, it concentrates attention during critical periods and several individual briefings can be reduced to one. In addition, it permits the construction of displays that lend clarity to a background dissertation. Properly operated, the briefing room becomes a focal point for dissemination, updating, interviews, photography, television and radio programming. This is one important way to conserve manpower and yet get maximum output.

    m.      Show restraint. Criticism of National Weather Service forecasts and procedures may be totally unwarranted, with callous disregard for the sensitivity of the dedicated human beings who make up our organization. We may be inclined to take offense at something printed or broadcast and angrily issue a reply. This seldom achieves the desired result. More often than not, it creates new irritations since the media is free to set its own rules in conflict. It must be recognized, however, that weakness also can be misinterpreted. A judgment must be made on what course of action will benefit the National Weather Service most while, at the same time, sustaining the morale and spirit of the aggrieved personnel. Forbearance is best. If an answer is indicated or requested, give it calmly with a lucid explanation of the facts. If there is the slightest doubt on how to proceed, check with regional headquarters. Actually, the defense against unjustified attack is the rapport that should be built up between the National Weather Service and the media. With mutual respect, there are fewer occasions when it is necessary to turn the other cheek.

    n.      Endure the joke. Like it or not, the weather will continue to be a subject of humor and the forecaster will continue to be the butt of wisecracks. Deep down, the public realizes its dependence upon the National Weather Service, but it cannot refrain from its little joke. This is a fact of life and something we have to live with. It is folly to try to rebut every columnist or comedian who endeavors to make a joke out of an unverified forecast or operational change. Think twice about firing off a letter to the editor. Protest may turn out to be nothing but defensive apology and some people think that is funny, too.

    o.      Stay within bounds. Media may try, innocently, to get you involved in controversy, especially where it concerns private meteorologists or other agencies engaged in overlapping endeavors. Stay clear. The dangers are obvious. Point out that the National Weather Service goes out of its way to cooperate with everybody.

    p.      Coordinate. Liaison with regional headquarters and with other MIC's on public information matters is the most effective way of avoiding contradictory or ill-timed releases.

    q.      Freedom of information. All National Weather Service personnel should be cognizant of the intent of Public Law 90-23. Reference to this Public Law can be found in NOAA Directives Manual Chapter 21-25. In essence, this insures to the public the availability of all files of Federal agencies with the exception of such material as is exempted by statute, executive order, litigation regulations and personal privacy limitations.

4.   Written Reports. It is assumed that field personnel will maintain routinely a competent liaison with the public and the media. There will be circumstances, however, when misunderstandings will arise, causing unresolved dissatisfaction that could develop into angry, extensive, embarrassing protest. On the occasion of such misunderstandings, a written statement of the facts should be sent to the Regional Director, who will decide upon the course of action to be taken.

* 5.    Information Requests. National Weather Service stations constantly receive requests for information on a wide range of weather-related subjects. Brochures and other material are available through the NOAA Office of Public Affairs (refer to current listings). An adequate supply of the most popular materials should be kept on hand for distribution as required to the media and the public.

Certain requests cannot be satisfied at the local level and must be referred to NOAA Headquarters or to the Superintendent of Documents. For guidance, refer to NOAA Directives Manual Chapter 21-25.

                                                        U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                                                        NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
                                                        Silver Spring, Md. 20910

April 25, 1977                                                   Wx3/VMC

To:    ALL NWS FIELD OFFICES

FROM:    George P. Cressman
                Director, National Weather Service

SUBJECT:    New Instructions for Preparing Revised WS Form A-3, Page 2 (April 1977), Station Information, Forecasts

We've added several important service programs to the "Appendix B" for the next edition of the Operation of the National Weather Service. To do this, we had to revise WS Form A-3, page 2, and revise the instructions for preparing the form.

The Central Logistic Supply Center will send 25 copies of the revised form to all field offices within the next 6 to 7 weeks. The complete stock of the old form should be destroyed immediately.

Until a new Manual Chapter A-11 is issued, the attached instructions should be substituted for Section 6.2.3. "Instructions for Preparing WS Form A-3, page 2."

All Weather Service field offices that provide any of the services listed on the WS Form A-3, page 2, must revise their forms. be sure to pay close attention to the instructions. Please send an original and one copy of the revised form to your Regional headquarters by June 10, so the can get the original to Headquarters by June 27, 1977.  I know that this is a short deadline, but we have to get the data in the computer and make some test runs in July on the revised "Appendix B."

Your cooperation in helping us meet this time frame will be greatly appreciated.

Attachments

cc:
All NWS Regional Headquarter

Place a check in the appropriate zone box to indicate where a change is made. Programs not involving a station should be left blank--do not enter zeros. See the attached WS Form A-3, page 2, as revised April 1977.

Block 05, Zone 01: Aviation

FA    Enter the number of aviation area forecasts regularly scheduled each day.

TWEB (Route)      Enter the total number of TWEB route forecasts regularly scheduled each day (e.g., 5 routes issued 3 times per day equal a total of 15).

TWEB (Synopsis)      Enter the total number of synopses regularly scheduled each day. (Normally each WSFO prepares one synopsis per forecast period. One synopsis prepared 3 times per day equals a total of 3.)

PATWAS      Enter the total number of originations scheduled per day.

FT    Enter the total number of terminal forecasts regularly scheduled each day for Domestic Aviation.
 
 

TAFS (International)      Enter the total number of terminal forecasts regularly scheduled each day for International Aviation.

PWB      Enter "1" if the station provides Pilot Weather Briefings--in any form, by phone, etc.

Block 05, Zone 02: Marine

High-Seas (GreatLakes)      Enter the total number of high-seas or Great Lakes forecasts regularly scheduled each day (e.g., 4 forecasts prepared daily for one lake equal 4).

Coastal/Near-Shore      Enter the total number of coastal or Near-Shore forecasts regularly scheduled each day (e.g., 4 forecasts prepared daily for one Near-Shore forecast area equal 4).

Local      Enter the total number of local marine forecasts regularly scheduled each day.  (Include recreational boating on small lakes, rivers, etc.)

Offshore      Enter the total number of offshore forecasts regularly scheduled each day.

Ice      Enter "1" if station makes ice forecasts.
 
 

Block 05, Zone 03: Other

Agricultural      Enter the total number of agricultural forecasts regularly scheduled each day. (Consider such programs as Livestock, Danger Statements, limited agriculture in the Dakotas, etc.)

Air Pollution      Enter "1" if the station has air pollution forecast responsibility.

Forestry Weather      Enter the average number (use following codes) of forestry weather forecast packages issued per year (include mobile unit, rangeland fire, and nonagricultural land management forecasts).

Code 

Zone    Enter the total number of zone forecasts regularly scheduled each day. (Do not include the zone in which the station is located.)

FPl      Enter the total number of state forecasts regularly scheduled each day. Enter the name and call letters of the station that takes over these responsibilities when this station is closed.
 
 

Block 05, Zone 04: Hydrology

Daily (River)      Enter the total number of points for which original* stage, flow, or velocity forecasts are prepared daily--include points in time of flooding. (Include only those points for which forecasts are made for 5 months or more of the year.)

Flood Only (River)      Enter the total number of points for which original* forecasts are prepared as required during flood--include flash flood points.
 
 

Block 05, Zone 05: Hydrology

Headwater Statements      Enter the total number of points for which original* advisory statements are prepared. (RFCs should include flash flood guidance for state public forecast zones.)
 
 

Stage Flow Outlooks      Enter the total number of points for which extended forecasts are prepared--original* monthly outlooks or extended low-flow forecasts for a basin or a point.

Flood Potential Outlooks      Enter the number of points for which periodic forecasts are prepared--annual rises, such as spring snowmelt rises where original* long-range annual crest stage or peak flow forecasts are issued.

Water Supply      Enter the total number of points for which runoff forecasts are prepared--original* seasonal or water-year forecasts of stream flow.

_____________________

* "Original" forecasts, as used here, refer to those prepared by an RFC, and by a WSFO with hydrologic service functions not served by an RFC.
 
 

Block 05, Zone 06: Hydrology

Daily (Adaptive*River)      Enter the total number of points for which daily adaptions are made

Flood Only (Adaptive*River)      Enter the total number of points for which flood adaptions are made.
 
 

Block 05, Zone 07: Hydrology

Daily Local River      Enter the number of points for which forecasts are disseminated for daily local river.

Flood Only Local Warning      Enter the total number of points for which forecasts are disseminated on a flood only basis. Do not include points for which daily river forecasts are disseminated.

(Note: The above "Flood Warning" items are intended to cover only those WSFOs with hydrologic service functions and other offices that have a recognized responsibility for local dissemination of river and/or flood forecasts on a regular basis.)

Flash Flood Network      Enter the number of points for which forecasts are disseminated for the flash flood warning network.

Block 05. Zone 08:

Winter Storm Warnings      Enter:

    1, if station originates warnings.

    2, if station originates local statements only.

    3, if a combination of 1 and 2 exists.

* "Adaptive" refers to (1) forecasts prepared by WSFOs with hydrologic service functions, based on guidance headwater advisories; and (2) forecasts for intermediate mainstream points based on the key forecasts furnished by the RFC. 

In the appropriate boxes, enter:

-- the number of tide stations from which reports are available on request.

-- the number of tide stations from which reports are available on a regular basis.