Views & Estimates :: March 16, 2001

Additional Democratic Views and Estimates by Rep. Mark Udall

Endorsed by Reps. James A. Barcia (Michigan), Constance A. Morella (Maryland)
and Vernon J. Ehlers (Michigan)

We are concerned about the state of the facilities of NIST's laboratories in my district in Boulder, Colorado.

In 1950, NIST established a cryogenic engineering laboratory and radio facilities on land donated by citizens of Boulder. NIST's Boulder facilities were expanded in the mid-1960s, when NIST and the University of Colorado (CU) joined forces to create the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA), a cooperative effort that has gained widespread recognition in atomic physics and other fields and that has yielded numerous amazing discoveries.

NIST's Boulder scientists have received the Nobel Prize in Physics and other internationally prestigious awards in recognition of their work. But the real distinction of NIST's Boulder labs is that its scientists have made such important scientific discoveries in an increasingly substandard working environment. As the Boulder facility approaches its 50th anniversary, we believe it is important for this Committee to recognize its distinct contribution to NIST's overall mission.

Last year NIST celebrated the completion of the Advanced Chemical Sciences Laboratory at its Gaithersburg campus. After an $80 million investment, NIST can now boast another world-class facility in which to conduct more world-class research. Also at Gaithersburg, just last year, ground was broken for the Advanced Measurement Laboratory, which has projected costs of over $200 million.

Now that Gaitherburg's needs have been addressed, NIST's Boulder campus is next in line to receive critical funding for construction and maintenance projects - this according to NIST's published plans listing construction and maintenance project priorities for the labs.

When visiting NIST's Boulder labs on March 9, Commerce Secretary Don Evans reportedly did not commit to fixing the problems at NIST, but did say his department needs to take care of "core needs" such as the ones at NIST.

We think it is essential that the Administration recognize the value of the Boulder labs' contributions and the necessity of upgrading the facilities so that the Boulder scientists can continue to produce top-flight research. NIST's Boulder campus has done much for Colorado and for the nation - and it can continue to do so. But to get the full value from this asset, we must invest properly in its upkeep.