My funding is running out: will be entirely without salary soon. So, thought I should do something about it: my first serious proposal in 3 or 4 years as lead (I've been on a couple of big multi-institution proposals in that period). This is the USGS National Earthquake Hazards Program external research. So, I just saw that the federal budget cut the amount available 28% (below). Since my proposals would tend to be close to the gray area of funding or not, my funding chances have been cut at least in half.

I will propose to continue the sub-bottom interpretations of faults, folds, stratigraphy offshore Newport Beach to San Diego. I would interpret deeper, in older rocks, than we did before. I'd also propose to publish the work.

Sure, budgets have to be cut, but taxes should be raised also (and loopholes closed). I'm not saying whether or not this particular program should be immune. But, it certainly does not make my day. Maybe with Sendai and other deadly quakes, the reductions will not go through.

Chris

"The FY2012 President’s budget released on February 14, 2011, includes $2 million reduction for the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) External Research Support. This represents a 28% reduction from FY2010 and if enacted through the congressional appropriations process, would reduce the number of grants and cooperative agreements awarded. Approximately $5 million will be available for support of research grants and cooperative agreements in FY2012"