The Nation - News from March 16, 1989

The National Weather Service announced a major modernization program that officials said will streamline the agency by eliminating more than 100 local offices and reducing the staff by 800 but producing improved forecasts. The weather service will go from about 250 local offices to just 115 when the changeover is completed about 1995, said Albert W. Friday, the weather service director. He said the shutdowns will be gradual and most will not occur until 1993 or later. Earlier this week, Commerce Secretary Robert A. Mosbacher announced that weather service stations will remain open until the modernization process is complete, putting to rest rumors that 70 or more weather stations would close this year due to budget constraints.