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By daybreak
Published: February 6, 2008
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In 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was named Executive Agent for development of a national backup for critical systems used in position, navigation and timing. Enhanced LORAN (eLORAN) has been identified as the primary candidate for this backup.

Among the Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional Stage budget is an initiative which seeks a redirection of the US Loran-C program from the Coast Guard to the National Preparedness and Programs Directorate, who will administer the LORAN program in 2009. DHS will oversee the LORAN program transition process.

Reallocation includes funding for personnel and operations of all 24 Loran stations, the Loran Support Unit and the Loran-related costs at the Navigation Center, Training Center Petaluma, Engineering Logistics Center, and Loran Station Administration Control Commands.

Transfer of LORAN budget authority will provide NPPD with financial oversight and responsibility for the system and permit the Department to fund any planned upgrades to the system. In 2009, Coast Guard is expected to continue operation of the system on a reimbursable basis. During the process, the Coast Guard will work with NPPD to develop a plan for transformation of LORAN-C to eLORAN.

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