FPN03-16
University Group Urges Increased Fusion Funding
March 6, 2003
The University Fusion Association (UFA) has sent a letter to members of the
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development of the House Committee on
Appropriations of the U.S. Congress urging them to add $25 million to
President Bush's Fiscal Year 2004 budget request for the DOE Office of
Fusion Energy Sciences
(FPN03-08). The President has requested $257
million. The February 25 letter, signed by the UFA 12-member Officers and
Executive Committee, says "Without additional resources, carrying out the
necessary preparations for ITER in FY04 with the present budget request of
$257 million (unchanged from the FY03 request) will result in destroying
critical elements of the base science and technology part of the fusion
program." The letter notes, "In FY04 and in subsequent years, as we move
forward with the ITER project, the necessary additional funding must be
provided to ensure that there is a strong U.S. fusion program to
participate in and make use of the advances we achieve in ITER."
For a copy of the letter, contact current UFA president Adil Hassam
(hassam@umd.edu)