Last week the Bush administration laid out a definite plan for complete funding of all approved NSF MREs including RSVP (KOPIO and MECO) in the President's budget proposal to Congress for FY2004. KOPIO capital construction funding will begin in FY2006 (which starts in October, 2005) and carry on for 4 years (with a small amount in the 5th year). The plan includes funding of pre-construction R&D as well as substantial operating funds (coincident with start of capital funding). The file containing the details is posted here - in particular, see pp. 2-3 and 45-49. More information on the NSF budget request can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/home/budget/start.htm.

The delay in the start of the construction funding is due to placing highest priority in the MRE plan on current projects -- a policy which is desirable even if it means we suffer delays. (Nevertheless, attempts will be made to have the start of RSVP construction funding moved forward but this remains hypothetical.) The amount of pre-construction R&D funds available will depend on the amounts of the FY2003 and FY2004 NSF budget increases but we are confident in the Physics Division's intent to find substantial funds for us during this period.

The publishing of an official schedule for all MREs along with a priority list is a very important step since it satisfies Congress' demand for transparency in the MRE program at the NSF. Since the MRE program has continued to receive funding throughout its history we are confident that the plan will be implemented. Other new MREs will be added in the pipe-line behind RSVP which is second in priority among the three new MREs.