Representative Tom Cole logo

Congressman Cole Announces Funding for Phased Array Technology

July 23, 2003
Press Release

Washington D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole announced that the U.S. House has approved $1,001,000 in funding for the University of Oklahoma's SPY1 Phased Array Radar - a research effort focused on increasing tornado warning lead time. The funding was part of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2004 (H.R. 2799). Congressman Cole requested funding for the Phased Array Radar project.

"The development of this technology is especially important to Oklahoma in light of the severe weather that has blown through our state recently. Phased array technology will enhance our understanding of storms, in turn leading to improved computer models, more accurate forecasts and much earlier warnings," Congressman Cole said.

Preliminary research shows that the Phased Array Radar could increase the lead-time for alerting the public about impending severe weather events, such as tornadoes, from 12 to 22 minutes.

The Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total of $20.3 billion for the Department of Justice, $5.26 billion for the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies, $8.4 billion State Department and the Broadcasting Board of Governors and $5.2 billion for the Federal Judiciary, including:

  • $4.64 billion for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This funding will support almost 2,500 new agents and analysts to improve counterterrorism and counterintelligence efforts, and to continue fighting violent crime, drugs, corporate fraud and cyber crime.
  • $2.16 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
  • Provides $3.49 billion for assistance to State and local law enforcement for crime fighting initiatives.
  • $319 million for the Economic Development Assistance Programs to assist communities struggling with long-term economic downturns as well as sudden and severe economic hardship.
  • $3.05 billion for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) including $786 million for the National Weather Service to improve forecasting.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bill includes $183 million, including full funding for the Do-Not-Call program.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Bill includes $746 million.

This legislation will now go to the Senate for approval.

###

Issues:Science and Technology