NOAA Budget Increases to $4.1 Billion, But Some Key Items Are Reduced

Abstract

The Bush administration has proposed a US$4.1 billion budget for fiscal year (FY) 2009 for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The proposed budget, which would be the agency's largest ever, is $202.6 million, or 5.2%, above the FY 2008 enacted budget. By topping $4 billion and the amount Congress passed for FY 2008, the budget proposal crosses into “a new threshold,” according Navy Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.“Most often, we hope Congress will help us. This year, we hope Congress will stay with us,7rdquo; Lautenbacher told constituents at a 7 February briefing in Washington, D.C. He said that the administration and Congress have recognized the need for the services NOAA provides.