Contact: Chris Smith FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Randee Exler 12/6/96
Lans Rothfusz
The National Weather Service announced yesterday that it will investigate the possibility of siting the new Doppler radar for western Arkansas in the Fort Smith airport area. The airport area is being considered as a backup in case of installation complications or problems with the environmental assessment for the previously selected Slatington Mountain site, and to ensure that the radar is in place for the Spring 1997 severe weather season.
"The National Weather Service is committed to installing the new radar as quickly as possible so that it can be operational during the upcoming severe weather season," said Elbert W. Friday Jr., NWS director. "To do that, we must consider the Fort Smith airport area in addition to the Slatington Mountain site. If the Slatington Mountain site does not work out, the airport location is our only alternative to ensure the radar is operational by April."
Siting the new state-of-the-art radar at the Fort Smith airport would provide almost identical geographic coverage as the 74C radar operating at the site today, and would adequately address the degradation of radar coverage concerns identified by the Secretary of Commerce's team in 1995.
An environmental assessment is now underway for the Slatington Mountain site. The NWS is currently in a mandatory 45-day (minimum) appeal process for the location because of a public concern filed during the 30-day public comment period.
A team of experts could be in the Fort Smith area as early as next week to begin assessing the possibility of siting the radar in the airport area. Following the initial assessment, an environmental assessment, land acquisition and construction will be explored. The NWS will work closely with local officials throughout this process.
Our goal is to provide the best weather services to the Fort Smith and western Arkansas area," Friday said.
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