Commerce Secretary says Victoria weather station not out yet PDF Print E-mail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 1998

Commerce Secretary says weather station not out yet Cites Paul's efforts in keeping the station open for this long
WASHINGTON, DC -- In a letter to US Rep. Ron Paul (R-Surfside, Texas), U.S. Secretary of Commerce William Daley said that the process for closure of the Victoria Weather Station "is not complete." "Both the NWS (National Weather Service) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration must review and endorse the proposed closure and consult with me prior to making a final decision," Secretary Daley wrote. Secretary Delay wrote that it was "in response" to the appeal of Rep. Paul, the Victoria Weather Station closure was delayed so that the committee could gather more information. After receiving the letter, Rep. Paul said he believes that while the station will likely be closed by the Clinton Administration, he will continue his legislative efforts to re-open the facility based on findings by the General Account Office of the federal government. According to the GAO, the so-called "modernization" process is actually a high-risk and costly venture. "The federal government has a responsibility to wisely use the dollars which we have taxed from hard-working Americans," said Rep. Paul. "I have no doubt that the people of the 14th District would not object to the closure if they were not going to see a degradation in service or increase in costs. Unfortunately, that is precisely what will happen." Rep. Paul has been working with other Members of Congress on this issue, including Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Fort Worth, Texas).

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