Science Article
Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999 17:54:02 -0400
From: Keith_Langdon@ccmail.itd.nps.gov (Keith Langdon)
Subject: SCIENCE article
To: pick@pick.uga.edu
Pick - As you know, J. Kaiser from SCIENCE, is doing a note on the
ATBI. She called me today and asked if I would review what she had
written. She wanted me to check for factual errors, and wanted me
specifically to comment on the draft that you had already worked on
with her. I was given about 20 minutes to respond. I was UPSET to see
that you were quoted as saying the ATBI will cost "at least $100
million". I asked her to tone it down, and she agreed to add that
others involved disputed that high a figure, which is not exactly what
I wanted, but given the time constraints...
I was sure we had agreed to hold off on making "wild guesses"
about how much this will cost until we actually undertake a detailed
cost analysis for the strategic plan later this fall. This plan would
have to have input from many of the scientists who have come to "scope
out" the Park thus far. As we have discussed, the Costa Rican
estimates are not directly transferable to here for several important
reasons.
I will admit to exasperation here. I share your wish to put a figure
on the ATBI, but what facts are your estimates based on ? I don't
want to "low ball" a figure, I just don't think the potential allies
we have to win over in government, corporations, NGO's and others are
served by everyone involved GUESSING that it will cost $250 million
(your May guess) or over $100 milion or $1 million for that matter.
This has the potential to seriously wound our efforts, I believe.
I've talked to several folks at the May board meeting whose
recollection is the same as mine on this issue. I don't understand
why we can't stick to a team decision on this. Please inform me if I
am mistaken.
Keith
| Discover Life in America | Science | Strategic Plan & Budget | Keith Langdon - 8 June, 1999 |