FY 2011 Request for U.S. Geological Survey

FEB 15, 2010

“Science is a cornerstone for sound decision making, Today’s complex, interrelated natural resource issues - such as climate change, energy conservation and development, and water quality and availability - demand that policy makers and managers start with timely, unbiased science. The President’s budget supports that vital perspective.” - USGS Director Marcia McNutt

The budget for the U.S. Geological Survey would increase by 2.0 percent under the Obama’s Administration’s FY 2011 request. Proposed funding changes for the Survey’s programs vary, from a recommended increase of 23.9 percent for Global Change to a proposed decline of 9.8 percent for Enterprise Information. The figures below are taken from a USGS budget document that provides further detail on the budget request.

Total USGS:

The FY 2010 USGS appropriation was $1,111.7 million. The FY 2011 request is $1,133.4 million, an increase of $21.7 million or 2.0 percent.

The budget document states:

“Increases are requested in the areas of renewable energy, climate change, water availability and use, natural hazards, and Landsat. The budget emphasizes science that will assist managers in ensuring the long-term viability of wildlife and habitat as energy and alternative energy resources are developed on Federal lands and the Outer Continental Shelf; contribute research to enhance ecosystem-based management of coastal resources around the Chesapeake Bay and other critical ecosystems; enhance multi-disciplinary work related to climate change; and ensure the initial phase of the establishment of Landsat ground stations.”

There are eight components of the USGS budget:

Geographic Research, Investigations, and Remote Sensing:

The FY 2010 appropriation was $145.6 million.
The FY 2011 request is $153.4 million, an increase of $7.8 million or 5.4 percent.

Geologic Hazards, Resource, and Processes:

The FY 2010 appropriation was $249.1 million.
The FY 2011 request is $253.8 million, an increase of $4.7 million or 1.9 percent.

Water Resources Investigations:

The FY 2010 appropriation was $232.3 million.
The FY 2011 request is $228.8 million, a decrease of $3.5 million or -1.5 percent.

Biological Research:

The FY 2010 appropriation was $204.9 million.
The FY 2011 request is $201.3 million, a decrease of $3.6 million or -1.8 percent.

Enterprise Information:

The FY 2010 appropriation was $46.0 million.
The FY 2011 request is $41.5 million, a decline of $4.5 million or -9.8 percent.

Global Change:

The FY 2010 appropriation was $58.2 million.
The FY 2011 request is $72.1 million, an increase of $13.9 million or 23.9 percent.

Science Support:

The FY 2010 appropriation was $69.2 million.
The FY 2011 request is $77.4 million, an increase of $8.2 million or 11.8 percent.

Facilities:

The FY 2010 appropriation was $106.4 million.
The FY 2011 request is $104.9 million, an increase of $1.5 million or 1.4 percent.