Current Status of Accomplishment or Milestone: Completed
Background: After 26 years in 7 different temporary quarters, the Pacific Fisheries Environmental Group moved into its current facilities in Pacific Grove in April 1995 under a use agreement with the Navy. The facility, a former U.S. Naval reserve center, was designated for closure in March 1993 and was formally deactivated by the Navy in April 1994. After completion of all the needed paperwork, environmental compliance, and other requirements, it was transferred to NOAA in a ceremony held in late October 1996. The property includes 4.5 acres. The current building on the site was constructed in 1952 and served several purposes until its closure in 1994. A major renovation in 1989 put the facility in excellent shape for the current needs.
Purpose of Activity/Goal of Project: This effort was undertaken to provide a permanent facility for the PFEG to assure its continued productivity and the stability needed to continue its important relationship with the US Navy, which requires reasonable proximity to the important Naval activities on the Monterey Peninsula.
Description of Accomplishment and Significant Results: This transfer to civilian use was highlighted as a successful example of a base closure. The transfer ceremony was officiated by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy William Cassidy, Jr. and NOAA General Counsel Terry Garcia. Other speakers included Steven Honigman, General Counsel of the Navy, Nancy Foster, Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Fisheries, Congressman Sam Farr, and Mayor Sandy Koffman of Pacific Grove. The transfer ceremony was followed by tours of the facility, which included poster and computer displays describing NOAA's cooperation with the Navy and research of the National Marine Fisheries Service. In addition to office space in the building, there is a conference room that doubles as a lecture hall and can accommodate about 50 people. It has already been used for several meetings. Space in the building is also occupied by NMFS Enforcement and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Significance of Accomplishment (e.g., to the Center, to Management, and to NMFS Strategic Plan Goals): Completion of this project took the efforts of many within NOAA as well as support from the Navy, the local community, and the general marine science community in the Monterey Bay area. It provides one of the four facilities in the long range plans of the Southwest Region. It also provides a focus for the relationship between NOAA and Navy for environmental data supporting fisheries.
Problems: None
Key Contact: George Boehlert (831-648-8515)