Acting Secretary of Commerce Blank, Sen. Mikulski to celebrate opening of NOAA's new weather and climate prediction center

Media invited to ribbon-cutting and facility tour on Univ. of Maryland College Park grounds


NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, College Park, Md. September 2012.

NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, College Park, Md. September 2012.

High resolution (Credit: University of Maryland)

Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank, U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, and University of Maryland President Wallace Loh will officially open the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction on October 15.

This new center houses 825 meteorologists, scientists, data managers and other NOAA employees who provide the nation with government weather, climate, and hydrological forecasts in various time scales. The forecasts range from weeks in advance to predictions for an entire season, including the number of hurricanes for the year. Employees transitioned to the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction late this summer, coming from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Air Resources Laboratory, and Satellite and Information Service.

The center's integrated work space advances NOAA's effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation through improved precision forecasts, effective communications, and strong partnerships.  The 285,000 square foot facility is expected to be designated a LEED gold certified building. 

WHAT:

Opening ceremony

WHEN:

Monday, October 15, 2:00 p.m. ET

WHO:
  • Dr. Rebecca Blank, Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski
  • Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator, NOAA
  • Dr. Wallace Loh, President, University of Maryland
  • Daniel Tangherlini, Acting Administrator, General Services Administration
  • Laura Furgione, Acting Director, National Weather Service
  • Dr. Louis Uccellini, Director, National Centers for Environmental Prediction

WHERE:

 NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction
5830 University Research Court 
College Park, MD 20740

VISUALS:

 		 Ribbon-cutting will take place at 3 p.m.  A tour with speakers and media is available immediately following ribbon cutting.

NOTE:

 

Reporters must register for the event and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before event to clear security. Parking information will be given when you register.

To register, schedule a tour or arrange an interview about the new center, please contact Jana Goldman jana.goldman@noaa.gov,301-713-1123, or John Leslie john.leslie@noaa.gov, 301-713-0214.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.

Posted: October 11, 2012