(Washington, DC - March 14, 2003) Citing costly investigations underway and pledging continued increases in efficiency, CSB Chairman Carolyn Merritt yesterday asked a House Appropriations Committee panel for a $1 million increase to the Board's budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1.

"By bringing to light all the causes of chemical accidents -- including hazards that are unknown, forgotten, or underestimated -- CSB is in the forefront of building a safer industry," Ms. Merritt told the House Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, HUD, and Independent Agencies. "We now need additional funds to fully utilize our staff and maintain our increased productivity into next year."