The modernization of the Cooperative Observer Network (COOP), managed and maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its National Weather Service (NWS), will result in building the National Cooperative Mesonet (NCM), an integrated, surface observing system designed to monitor the weather, water and climate variability across the United States. This cross agency program for the nation will be expandable and adaptable to meet the current and future needs of NOAA and its many public and private sector partners.

This paper will present an overview of the COOP Modernization: Building the National Cooperative Mesonet. In particular, the paper will discuss the Program Development Plan to build the National Cooperative Mesonet, the vision and objectives for the program, the overall scope and management approach, an outline of the concept for operation and plans for public/private partnerships.