October 3, 1996

Sources indicate the the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Sciences is planning the following adjustments to the FY 1997 "strawman" budget distribution (FPN-15) as a result of the recommendations of FESAC (FPN-17R). The changes are:

A decrease in Tokamak Physics Experiments of $4.5 million

Increases as follow:

Inertial Fusion Energy: $2 million

Theory: $700 thousand

Systems Studies: $500 thousand

Advanced Materials: $600 thousand

Plasma Technology: $300 thousand

Nuclear Technology: $400 thousand

In addition the Inertial Fusion Energy program will be budgeted as an Alternative Concept.

For more information, contact: Stephen O. Dean