NOAA spending $4 million to tout 200th anniversary

Everyone affected by the weather agrees that more accuracy is needed in forecasting hurricanes and their projected paths. So Grumpy Editor finds it absolutely astonishing that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is spending $4 million in taxpayers’ funds to publicize its 200th anniversary celebration through Dec. 31 while cutting $700,000 from hurricane research.

The National Hurricane Center, with an annual budget of $6.3 million, is part of the National Weather Service, which is a NOAA agency.  NOAA operates under the Department of Commerce.

So where is NOAA’s $4 million going?

Can’t be for advertising.  That should be covered via public service announcements (PSAs).

Can’t be for public relations.  NOAA already has a PR staff.

While various NOAA activities, from poster exhibits around the country to a marine research institute dedication, are scheduled, a major (and certainly expensive) clue is found in an Oct. 9 event in Washington, D.C.:

NOAA 200th Gala.

Get that tuxedo pressed.

And hope a hurricane’s remnants are not in the weather forecast.