Washington, DC – Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) today introduced new legislation with Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) to authorize the construction of a modernized hurricane tracking satellite to ensure American families have access to the most up-to-date, complete information about dangerous storms.

The Hurricane Satellite Modernization Act authorizes the construction of next-generation hurricane tracking satellites, as recommended by a NASA study. The existing QuikSCAT tracking satellite was designed for a three-year life expectancy, but is now in its ninth year of operation. When it fails, our scientists will lack a vital tool to help them make accurate forecasts for hurricanes and tropic cyclones.

“The breakdown of the current QuikSCAT satellite is not a matter of if but when,” Klein said. “It is critical that we act now to replace this outdated tool with the most up-to-date, modern technology available. There is nothing more important than keeping Florida’s families safe, and in the middle of this year’s active hurricane season, we must be sure our hard-working scientists and forecasters have access to all the tools they need to make accurate, timely predictions about the path of dangerous storms.”

The next-generation satellite will provide significantly improved information, including more reliable measures of hurricane-speed winds, better performance in heavy rain conditions and improved spatial resolution along the coasts. Klein and Melacon’s bill authorizes the full funding necessary for the complete next-generation system, which includes two satellites to cover 90 percent of the ocean surface every 12 hours. With this kind of coverage, when a family goes to bed at night, they can wake up to the latest information, and make informed decisions about evacuations and hurricane preparedness.

“The updated satellites will lead to more accurate forecasts, which will have a real impact on South Florida’s families,” Klein said. “By reducing the cone of uncertainty, we can ensure evacuations only occur when absolutely necessary. More precise evacuation orders will spare states and communities the costs of unnecessary evacuations and ensure urgent evacuation warnings are taken seriously.”

Last year, Congressmen Klein and Melancon authored the Improved Hurricane Tracking and Forecasting Act of 2007 of to authorize the immediate construction of another QuikSCAT satellite. This year’s Hurricane Satellite Modernization Act builds on their previous work to ensure that Americans receive the most up-to-date, complete information about dangerous storms.