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Department of Energy Nevada Operations Office James L. Liverman, Acting Assistant Secretary for Environment, Headquarters As you and your staff are abundantly aware, the EV programs in the Marshall Islands have been badly handicapped since the loss of our dedicated research vessel Liktaiiur last October. We have been able to support a few of the most essential projects by chartering Trust Territory field trip ships but without exception the scientific parties have found these unsatisfactory. Their scheduling is erratic, the cost is excessive and the ships themselves are not suitably configured. We have also received some criticism in the Press for utilizing scarce Trust Territory assets, and the High Comrnissioner has indicated that he will not be able to continue to provide this support. Roger Ray, working with the PASO staff in Honolulu, has examined a number of alternatives for providing a replacement research vessel at reasonable cost. Our Property Management staff has continuously screened appropriate excess property sources. A number of ships have been considered and those appearing to have promise have been inspected. Assistance in this effort has been obtained from the Army, the Navy, the University of Hawaii Marine Center and private contractors. The evaluation has almost reached the point where a firm proposal can be made. The vessel which we expect to propose is a YFU, which resembles an LCU, but is far more suitable for open ocean travel. The particular vessel we have in mind is YFU-81, availatie from the Navy at Guam. It will require reactivation and renovation at a cost currently estimated at $450K (~ 1570). The operating cost shuuld be in the range of our Liktaiiur costs, i. e., $425 - $450K per year. The detailed breakdown of activation costs between FY-78 and -FY-79 j
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This memorandum is to request your concurrence in principle in our continuing to evaluate the YFU option and specifically your statement as to whether we are justified in placing a “hold” on the YFU-81 in expectation of funding as estimated above. I am satisfied that the current concept is a sound one and that it is most unlikely that a satisfactory alternative will be found at significantly lower cost. With your concurrence to proceed, and with timely availability of funds, I believe that we can have a firm proposal in your hands by 15 August and a ship in operation 90-120 days after release of funds. Your early response will be appreciated.
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