Sec. 202. Next generation radar
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The Under Secretary shall develop a plan to replace the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather Service ( NEXRAD ) system in existence as of the date of the enactment of this section. The Under Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure the replacement described in subsection
(a)is completed by not later than September 30, 2040. The plan developed pursuant to subsection
(a)shall include the following: Estimates of quantifiable improvements in radar performance and service delivery, including coverage and accuracy, to be made from replacement of the NEXRAD system referred to in such subsection. Development of a digital phased array radar test article designed to test and determine the specifications and requirements for such replacement. Establishment of a weather surveillance radar testbed for the following: Evaluation of commercial radars with the potential to replace or supplement the NEXRAD system. Providing technical assistance for commercial replacement or supplemental radars, including data void filling radars in regions where geographical topography prevents full utilization of conventional systems. Consultation and input solicited from meteorologists, emergency managers, and public safety officials regarding the specifications and requirements for the replacement of the NEXRAD system referred in such subsection. In order to supplement data voids in radar coverage in existence as of the date of the enactment of this section and ensure the continued performance of weather radar capabilities, the Under Secretary may utilize and contract with third party entities to fill such low-level and wide-area radar data voids using diverse weather radars and data assimilation technologies to better detect significant precipitation and severe weather over a greater area across the population. In carrying out the activities under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary may consider— utilizing and contracting with third-party entities that have participated in the testbed established in accordance with subsection (c)(3); and weather camera systems and services, including systems and services in consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration, as viable technologies to supplement weather forecasting and prediction needs. The Under Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate periodic updates on the implementation of this section.