NOAA’s National Weather Service Equipment Repair Center Opens in Grandview

March 24, 2016

March 24, 2016

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Senior officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and GSA were in Grandview, Mo., today to officially dedicate a new facility for the National Weather Service. NOAA's National Logistics and Reconditioning Center repairs and warehouses computers, electronics, and radar equipment used by meteorologists to create forecasts and track approaching storms.

"Each and every day, employees at this center handle critical functions that keep the National Weather Service systems operating," said NOAA Administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan. "Their hard work is advancing NOAA's efforts to build a Weather-Ready Nation by making sure the tools NOAA forecasters need to issue timely public weather warnings are always working."

Previously located at the nearby Bannister Federal Complex, the NOAA technical repair workshop and warehouse was relocated as part of a larger effort to transfer the World War II era Bannister Complex to a private entity. The move resulted in a 90,000-square-foot space reduction, more access to natural lighting, and a more efficient space layout.

Designed and built by Burns & McDonnell, the government is leasing the 222,000 square-foot building from Kessinger Hunter for less than $11 per square foot. The U.S. General Services Administration and NOAA agreed to a 20-year lease in 2014 that will keep the government's costs more than 19 percent below market value.

"NOAA and GSA remain committed to keeping this operation in the south Kansas City area and securing these quality jobs for years to come," said GSA Regional Administrator Jason Klumb. "I want to thank Mayor Jones, the Board of Aldermen, and all our friends at the city of Grandview."

The new functional and modern work space will further improve efficiency and collaboration between the two interdependent units within -- the National Reconditioning Center and the National Logistics Support Center. Functions of these units include operating inspection workshops, warehousing, inventory, shipping/receiving functions as well as a NEXRAD (Next-Generation Radar) pedestal used to commission the nation's weather surveillance equipment.

As part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Grandview Chamber of Commerce presented NOAA with a plaque welcoming the agency to Grandview. City officials were also on-hand to show their gratitude to the agencies and developers.

"We're honored GSA and NOAA chose this location for the logistics and reconditioning center," said John Maloney, president of the Grandview Board of Aldermen. "On behalf of my fellow Aldermen, the City of Grandview and Mayor -- welcome to our community."

Moving activities were coordinated by Gilbane Development Company.

NOAA's National Weather Service, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, provides weather, water and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our other social media channels.