OCAO American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Projects and Major Construction Projects in Progress
The projects labeled ARRA are to be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. The Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009.
Major Construction Projects in Progress
The following facility projects have either been fully funded, in progress or completed. Summaries are included for each project which highlight the project size, configuration, use, and condition.
Southwest Fisheries Science Center Laboratory Replacement (ARRA)
This project will replace NOAA's Current National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) headquarters in La Jolla, California. The exiting SWFSC facility is at risk - as deteremined by several geotechnical studies.
Fairbanks Satellite Operations Facility Replacement (ARRA)
The NOAA/NESDIS Fairbanks Satellite Operations Facility (FSOF) building in Faribanks, Alaska was built by NASA in the late 1960s. Consistent with a plan for the Bureau of Land Management to turn over the Facilites Command Data and Acquistions Site (FCDAS) land to the state of Alaska, it was originally presumed that the government use of the Fairbanks location would expire. Therefore, the structures built were semi-permanent, with a life expectancey of 20 years. In 1985, NOAA Took over operasts of the Fairbanks Facility.
Pascagoula Laboratory Replacement
This new two-story facility will replace the Hurricane Katrina storm damaged NOAA-NMFS office-laboratory facility located in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Since Hurricane Katrina devastated the office-lab in September 2005, the NMFS's ability to accomplish its fish, sea mammal research, and national seafood inspection mission has been severly impacted.
NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction
The NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) Project is a key component of the National Weather Service (NWS)'s effort to improve its weather and climate modeling performance, to accelerate the transfer of newly developed scientific information into operations, and to improve the use of gloval environmental satellite data. The NCWCP will be located College Park, MD.
Gulf of Mexico Disaster Response Center
NOAA is constructing a Gulf of Mexico Disaster Response Center (GoMDRC) facility in Mobile, Alabama. The facility will provide a standing capability of preparedness and response activites in the Gulf of Mexico region.
Pacific Regional Center (ARRA)
This Pacific Regional Center (PRC) will consolidate NOAA programs and operations on the island of O'ahu into a single facility on federally-owned property at Ford Island. NOAA in Hawai'i manages an extensive portfolio of programs addressing fisheries, ocean, coastal, climate, and atmospheric issues in the Pacific. These programs are diverse and geographically wide-ranging, affecting not just Hawai'i, but also the larger Pacific region.
Facility Repair Projects
The following facility repair projects are currently in process. Project descriptions are included for your information.
September 25, 2009
Galveston Hurricane Repair (ARRA)
Contract Announced to Repair Galveston Lab
This project completes the repair/replacement of facility structures at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Galveston laboratory damaged due to wind, high water and driven rain associated with Hurricane Ike on September 13, 2008.
GFDL Asbestos / HVAC Project (ARRA)
This project will complete the asbestos abatement at NOAA's Geophysical Fluids Dynamics Laboratory facility in Princeton, NJ.
Marine Operations Center - Atlantic (ARRA)
This project addresses numerous facility repair deficiencies, including repair/replacement of HVAC systems, power systems, emergency lighting and roof repairs.
Milford (CT) Lab (ARRA)
September 15, 2009
Millford Lab Repair Contract Awarded
This project addressed numerous building repair deficiencies, including repair/replacement of the HVAC system, elevators and lifts, and sanitary waste system.
Panama City (FL) NMFS Lab (ARRA)
This project addresses numerous building repair deficiencies including safety/security issues, general building repairs, and energy efficiency improvements.