At a packed briefing last week, Scott B. Gudes guided representatives of key constituent groups through the President's proposed FY 2002 NOAA budget. NOAA will be funded at $3.1 billion - 50% more funds than five years ago. Targeted programs receive boosts of $270 million, while duplicative programs are trimmed. The budget zeroes in on priority needs, including safeguarding people and property through severe weather prediction, stewardship of America's precious natural resources, and advancing our understanding of climate. There are funding boosts for Coastal Zone Management and the National Marine Sanctuaries. Funds are trimmed from the Coastal Impact Assistance Program which overlaps the Coastal Zone Management program. The budget further advances the development of better hurricane landfall prediction. By helping to pinpoint areas recommended for evacuation, this will both protect lives and help communities avoid multi-million dollars costs tied to unnecessary storm preparations. The budget also increases funding to improve forecasting capabilities. Additional increases over FY 2001 will continue to consolidate the satellite systems of NOAA and the Department of Defense, resulting in long-term cost savings and strengthened climate study efforts. They will also serve to modernize the National Marine Fisheries Service in three areas -- science, management and enforcement. More dollars for safety and support of U.S. ports and the shipping industry are also proposed. Complete details are available at http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/budget02/ or via the NOAA Home Page at http://www.noaa.gov.