With the release of the President’s FY 2011 Federal Budget, NOAA announced today that President Obama had requested $5.6 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for FY 2011. In a statement released today, NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco said “This budget reflects the commitment of the president and secretary of commerce to job creation, science and the environment.” Dr. Lubchenco is inviting public comment at her Facebook Fan Page.
Over $1 billion of the total $5.6 billion requested for NOAA in the president’s FY 2011 budget is allocated toward the National Weather Service and weather related research. This figure includes $26.7 million for the enhancement of aviation weather forecasts to make our nation’s airways safer. A total of $464.9 million was requested in the FY 2011 Federal Budget proposal for NOAA’s research office. This figure includes $11.6 million to monitor and assess the effects of ocean acidification. Dr. Lubchenco commented, “NOAA’s innovations in science and technology have been instrumental in ensuring that a strong economy and a healthy environment go hand in hand.”
While noting that coastal communities provide 42% of the nation’s economic output despite occupying only 16% of our country’s land area, NOAA’s statement on the budget included an intent to spend $580.6 million in support of coastal communities and their economies. $992.4 million would be dedicated to rebuilding fisheries and supporting fishing jobs and communities.