Senator Mark Begich Praises NOAA’s Commitment to Fairbanks

Article continues below...

$11 million Satellite Facility funded by Recovery Act

June 5, 2009 -- U.S. Senator Mark Begich today praised the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for choosing Fairbanks to host the first NOAA project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Alcan Builders, Inc. of Fairbanks has been selected to build a new 20,000 square foot NOAA satellite operations facility in Fairbanks. The project will replace the existing Command and Data Acquisition Station building, which has been in operation since 1961. The contract is worth $11.7 million, $9 million of which is funded by the ARRA.

"I am pleased to hear the news that NOAA has decided to move forward on this project as it serves as a precursor for projects across the state," said Senator Begich. "We are entering a new phase of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as contractors are beginning to receive projects and construction plans begin to move forward. Economic recovery is a long road, but projects like this signal that we are taking the necessary steps to create jobs and spur economic growth."

Estimated for completion in September 2010, the new facility will continue to gather information from satellites that NOAA uses to track weather and to better understand climate change. In addition, the facility operates as part of the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System, or SARSAT, which assists the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Air Force in detecting signals from emergency distress beacons. This project will ensure that NOAA's satellite operations continue until 2026.

"The announcement of this project will not only help NOAA to continue its vital work, but also serves as a welcome commitment to Fairbanks and the Interior," Begich stated. "With the current NOAA facility nearing the end of its lifespan the construction of a new facility guarantees that NOAA will continue to have a strong presence in Fairbanks for decades to come."

Sen. Begich's vote was critical to passing the ARRA which is estimated to bring more than $1 billion to Alaska and save or create 8,000 jobs in the state over the next two years.

Groundbreaking for the new NOAA facility is anticipated this summer.

Source: Senator Mark Begich