DST
‘Finally, in increasing our rate of progress, it is extremely important to
imcrease the number cf both the small and large yield underground facilities.
Operational plans must assure sufficient facilities, so that the temporary loss
of any one of them will not materially slow the program.
Jesigning a high yield "Christmas Tree' facility,
Weare presently
and construction of an
idditional low yield complex (G Tunnel) has been started.
In addition,
LRL
thoroughly
‘eels that every effort should be made to/prepare
short notice.
EPG for testing on very
It is desirable to have both EPG and NTS continuously available
\s needed to minimize operational interference with device and weapon
flevelopments."'
The letter finishes by discussing the need for expanding and
mproving support facilities,
vnudget changes required.
general construction, and manpower and
Although for the time being the required additional
reople will be housed by crowding them into existing buildings, Foster requests
suthority to begin work on expansion of four buildings.
As for manpower increases,
“oster anticipates an increase of 590 people by the end of .FY 1963.
unding,
he states ''The incremental funding necessary to accomplish this goal
S an increase of 16.3% for FY 1962 and 44.6% for FY 1963
Vhitney budget of 49.1 million dollars.
etter."
As for
over the existing
The details are spelled out in our budget
Part of his conclusion to the letter states "I believe a large and
maginative US program is desired if US leadership inthis field is to be assured.
-urrently,
the ability of the Laboratory to design and field new devices constitutes
he main restriction.
Within arfew months,
our programwill have expanded,
nd existence of an adequate number of underground test sites will then be the
imiting factor unless provisions are made now to assure adequate underground
ites."