NIST FY2019 budget includes request to shutdown WWV and WWVH

WWV Time Code Generator - photo taken at WWV in 2014

Many thanks to a number of SWLing Post readers who have pointed out the NIST 2019 Presidential Budget request which has now been posted online and includes a desired reduction of:

"$6.3 million supporting fundamental measurement dissemination, including the shutdown of NIST radio stations in Colorado and Hawaii"

WWV's transmitter building in Fort Collins, Colorado (2014)

I've always considered WWV and WWVH to be the heartbeat of the shortwaves here in North America-a constant, timely companion and brilliant gauge of HF propagation. Indeed, on a personal note, WWV was actually the first station I ever remember hearing on shortwave.

I assumed both stations would be some of the last to go silent on the shortwaves.

No doubt, I find this budget request very disappointing. Let's hope, somehow, this does not come to fruition. We will certainly post any/all updates here on the SWLing Post. Follow the tag: NIST

Click here to read about my visit to WWV Fort Collins in 2014.