USGS FY 2008 Budget Would Increase 3.2%

“The 2008 budget continues to focus on the highest priorities for research, while ensuring that USGS builds the expertise it needs to continue answering the complex scientific questions that may arise tomorrow. The budget emphasizes increases for science that will ensure the long term viability of wildlife and habitat as energy resources are being developed; implement the Ocean Action Plan; and allow critical infrastructure improvements at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge, a leading international research institute for wildlife and applied environmental research.”- “The Department of the Interior Fiscal Year 2008 Interior Budget in Brief”

The U.S. Geological Survey has requested an FY 2008 budget increase of 3.2 percent or $30.2 million over the FY 2007 request. Under this request, funding would increase from $944.8 million to $975.0 million.

The FY 2007 Interior Appropriations Bill was not passed by the last Congress. Under the current House-passed funding resolution, $977.7 million would be provided. The total FY 2006 USGS budget was $961.4 million.

The Budget in Brief is available at the following web site: http://www.doi.gov/budget/2008/08Hilites/toc.html

The below changes in the FY 2008 request are calculated from the FY 2007 request submitted one year ago:

GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH, INVESTIGATIONS, AND REMOTE SENSING: Down 2.2 percent or $1.7 million from $76.6 million to $75.0 million. FY 2006 funding was $129.3 million.

GEOLOGIC HAZARDS, RESOURCE, AND PROCESSES: Up 2.2 percent or $4.7 million, from $217.4 million to $222.1 million. FY 2006 funding was $235.3 million.

WATER RESOURCES INVESTIGATIONS: Up 3.9 percent or $8.4 million from $204.1 million to $212.5 million. FY 2006 funding was $211.8 million.

BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH: Up 5.0 percent or $8.6 million from $172.6 million to $181.1 million. FY 2006 funding was $178.5 million.

ENTERPRISE INFORMATION: Up 0.8 percent or $0.9 million, from $111.2 million to $112.1 million. FY 2006 funding was $46.4 million.

SCIENCE SUPPORT: Up 4.9 percent or $3.3 million, from $67.4 million to $70.7 million. FY 2006 funding was $69.3 million.

FACILITIES: Up 6.4 percent or $6.1 million, from $95.5 million to $101.6 million. FY 2006 funding was $94.8 million.