[asapmembers] Arecibo Will Continue Operations!!

[ASAP Secretary]

Dear ASAP Members,
	The NSF last week made an important decision regarding Arecibo.  
As a result of the NEPA process over the last couple of years, the NSF 
AST posted a “Record of Decision” in conjunction with the National 
Science Board to the effect that NSF would pursue its “preferred 
alternative” which is to continue to operate Arecibo at what will be a 
much smaller budget from NSF.  
	This removes the threat of closure, mothballing or deconstruction 
by the NSF for the foreseeable future.
	Now the NSF AST will proceed to award a management contract 
to some entity for presumably a new five-year period.  NSF AST will be 
announcing the new management organization within the next several 
months.
	Please see the link below to a Washington Post article about the 
situation of the Arecibo Observatory, Hurricane Maria, and the NSF's
“Record of Decision”.
		Best regards,
			Secretary

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/11/16/hurricane-battered-arecibo-telescope-will-keep-studying-the-skies/?utm_term=.6662264995ed
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