Summary
Creates a program to develop and carry out a plan for replacing the nation's weather radar system to improve weather coverage and forecasting.
What problem does this solve?
The current national weather radar system is aging and has gaps in coverage, which can limit the ability to predict severe weather. This bill creates a program to plan and build a new, better radar system to improve public safety.
Who does this affect?
- General public
- Meteorologists and weather forecasters
- Weather technology companies
What does this bill do?
Establishes the Radar Next Program
Creates a new program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to manage the replacement of the U.S. weather radar network.
Requires a plan to replace the NEXRAD system
Directs the development of a detailed plan to replace the current Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system to improve weather radar coverage and performance.
Allows partnerships with private companies
Authorizes the government to partner with or hire private companies to use their radar technology to fill gaps in the national weather radar coverage, a concept called 'Radar-As-A-Service'.
Creates a radar testbed
Establishes a test site to evaluate new commercial radars that could potentially replace or add to the current national system.
Sets a long-term implementation deadline
Requires that the plan to replace the weather radar system is fully completed and in place no later than September 30, 2040.
Prioritizes new radar locations
Requires the plan to identify and prioritize locations for the new radar system, including in areas that are currently more than 75 miles away from an existing radar station.
Requires expert consultation
Mandates that the government seek advice from academics, meteorologists, emergency managers, and public safety officials when creating the requirements for the new radar system.
What is the real world impact?
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Creates long-term government contracts for private industry
Establishes a multi-decade plan to replace the national radar system, opening the door for large, long-term contracts for technology companies, particularly those who participate in the initial testbed phase.
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Improves public safety through better weather prediction
Aims to replace an aging weather radar system with modern technology. This will improve the ability to forecast severe weather, giving people more time to prepare and potentially saving lives.
When does this start?
The program begins when the bill becomes law, but it outlines a long-term plan with a specific deadline for completion.
Plan implementation deadline
The plan to replace the current NEXRAD weather radar system must be fully implemented by September 30, 2040.