From: rsherme@diamond.nswc.navy.mil (Russel Shermer (R43))
Subject: fyi #159: NSF Spending Plan: LIGO and Gemini Telescope
Keywords: science, funding, policy, nsf.
Organization: NAVSWC DD White Oak Det.
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 1992 12:01:47 GMT

Posted for:
Public Information Division
American Institute of Physics
Contact: Richard M. Jones
Phone: (202) 332-9661
Email:  fyi@aip.org



NSF Spending Plan: LIGO and Gemini Telescope

FYI No. 159, December 22, 1992


Two programs under NSF's Major Research Equipment budget category
received special attention in the proposed operating plan submitted
by the foundation to Senator Barbara Mikulski and Rep. Bob Traxler.
The dialogue on LIGO (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave
Observatory) and the Gemini 8-Meter telescope is below:

DECEMBER 3 LETTER FROM NSF TO CONGRESS:

"The current plan proposes to modify the conference report levels
for both LIGO and the GEMINI 8-Meter telescope in an effort to more
adequately fund the various modes of conducting research --
including individual investigators, groups, and research centers.
For LIGO, the current plan proposes to provide $20 million for
continued construction plus $5 million for research and development
support from the physics subactivity.  [Congress provided $38
million, and designated another $5 million from the physics
research budget for LIGO R&D.]  Based on discussions with the
Caltech project office, these funds will enable the completion of
industrial design and much of the site preparation work at both
sites.  At this level, support for LIGO increases by $4 million, or
19% above last year's level allowing the project to move forward in
a significant manner.  The GEMINI 8-Meter telescope is proposed to
be funded at $14 million....  The $14 million level is sufficient
to keep the project moving forward while we complete international
cost sharing arrangements.  I believe that this funding level
should be seen as a continuation of the U.S. commitment to this
project as discussions with potential partners continue."

DECEMBER 9 REPLY FROM MIKULSKI/TRAXLER TO MASSEY:

"...the 1993 operating plan is approved with the following
exceptions:

"On the LIGO project, the Committees cannot agree to the proposed
reductions from the level specified in the Conference Report
[$38/$5 million.]  There appears to be substantial disagreement
concerning the proper pace of construction of this project given
the overall level of the NSF budget.  As a result, we have asked
the Committee staffs to arrange for a meeting with appropriate NSF
officials and others interested in this project in early January to
reach agreement on a reasonable resolution of this impasse.  In the
interim, as the operating plan reflects, the NSF should allocate $5
million from the physics activity for on-going LIGO research and
development."


"In regards to the funding of the Gemini eight-meter telescope at
the $14 million level, we have no objection to the proposed amount.
However, these funds should be held in reserve until one of the
following conditions is met:

"a. By May 15, 1993, final signed international commitments of $88
million representing one-half of the total $176 million project; or

"b. By May 15, 1993, final signed international commitments of
$83.5 million representing one-half of a total project level of
$167 million.  The U.S. share would constitute the other 50 percent
or $83.5 million.

"If neither of these options can be concluded by May 15, 1993, a
single [underscored] U.S. telescope should be built on Mauna-Kea in
Hawaii at a total cost of not to exceed $88 million, providing
[underscored] the instrument satisfies the U.S. requirements for an
infrared/imaging optimized telescope as specified by the Astronomy
Survey Committee.

"In that connection, we recognize that a high-level review panel
has been established to address among others the following
questions:

"a. Does the Gemini design meet the Astronomy Survey Committee's
requirements for an infrared/imaging optimized telescope on Mauna
Kea?

"b. Is it possible to build an infrared/imaging optimized telescope
for $88 million on Mauna Kea that meets the Astronomy Survey
Committee requirements?

"In addition, if either of the international options is concluded
by May 15, 1993, the Committees on Appropriations direct the NSF to
establish an account within the Foundation for the deposit of all
financial contributions from all partner nations, subject to full
audit by the GAO, and from which the costs of both telescopes will
be disbursed to various national and international entities."


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Public Information Division
American Institute of Physics
Contact: Richard M. Jones
(202) 332-9661
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