Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the bipartisan Water Research Optimization Act of 2024, aiming to reorganize the National Weather Service’s (NWS) 13 River Forecast Centers (RFC) under the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Water Center (NWC). This legislation seeks to enhance the management and effectiveness of water forecasting and hydrological research.
Currently, the River Forecast Centers provide critical hydrological data and weather-related forecasts, operating under their respective regional offices. The proposed legislation would place these Centers under the supervision and oversight of the Office of Water Protection (OWP), thereby consolidating their operations and leadership under the NWC’s authority. The National Water Center, located at the University of Alabama (UA), has become a key national hub for water forecast operations, research, and development.
Senator Britt highlighted the importance of the NWC in modernizing America’s water forecasting capabilities and enhancing weather preparedness. She expressed confidence that the legislation will further bolster critical research and applied sciences benefiting the nation. Senator Welch emphasized the significance of hydrology modeling and prediction in boosting flood resilience across the country, including support for hydrology research at the University of Vermont.
The University of Alabama has prioritized water-related research, establishing itself and Tuscaloosa, Ala., as a national center for water science and prediction. This includes housing the NOAA National Water Center (NWC), the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), and the USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility. CIROH, a national consortium with 28 academic, government, and private institutions, includes both the University of Alabama and the University of Vermont as members.
The Water Research Optimization Act of 2024 aims to align the current hydrology research at the National Weather Service with vital research efforts at institutions like UA and UVM, promoting flood resilience and aiding communities in rebuilding after natural disasters.
