Washington DC –U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Representative Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), issued the following statement on NOAA’s response to the GAO decision sustaining the protest against NOAA’s decision to move their Pacific fleet to Newport, Oregon:
“After reviewing NOAA’s letter and speaking with Secretary Locke this afternoon, we are confident that today’s announcement brings us one step closer to establishing the NOAA fleet in Newport. Work already underway on the new facilities in Newport will continue as scheduled. Newport was awarded the NOAA contract because – after a thorough review of its cost and technical merits – it was the best value for taxpayers and the best facility for the fleet. After NOAA conducts this analysis, Newport will still be the best and most cost-effective home for the NOAA fleet. We commend NOAA for the deliberative approach that the agency has taken to this process as well as its ongoing commitment to keeping its decision free from political influence.”
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