What is the process by which a decision will be made to construct the underground laboratory and associated facilities?
A4: There are two main parts to this process. First, scientific approval must come from the National Science Foundation, the federal agency that has taken responsibility for the underground laboratory. During the agency’s review process the underground laboratory must gain the approval of the National Science Foundation’s Science Board and Director. Second, the underground laboratory requires explicit approval and funding by Congress and the President. Regarding the first part, the National Science Foundation recently announced (February 6, 2004) that it is restarting the process to select a site for the underground laboratory. This letter may be viewed on the UW website. It will likely take the NSF two or more years to progress through a 3-part solicitation process. The first part entails a review of the justification for DUSEL by the science community. The conceptual proposal (see Q2 above) will be prepared in response to Solicitation Two. The NSF is expected to then select one or tw
Related Questions
- How long will it take to construct the underground laboratory? How long is the excavation period, during which trucks will be hauling waste rock?
- How many visitors will come to Leavenworth as a result of the facilities associated with the underground laboratory?
- What kinds of jobs will be required to operate and maintain the underground laboratory and associated facilities?
