DATE: Sunday, March 2, 1997                 TAG: 9703020033

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 

                                            LENGTH:   26 lines

WEATHER SERVICE DROPS TOLL-FREE LINE TO WAKEFIELD

When the National Weather Service consolidated its Richmond and Norfolk offices at a new facility in Wakefield last year, local officials worried that it would put forecasters out of touch with people in both urban areas.

The Weather Service responded with a toll-free number it said would maintain the link.

On Friday, the line was disconnected.

Cutting out the toll-free lines is part of a nationwide effort to make up a $5 million shortfall in this year's weather service budget. More than 25 toll-free lines are being dumped in the East - the most direct public response to budget cutting.

But eliminating the lines will save less than a quarter-million dollars this fiscal year. ILLUSTRATION: TRY THIS ONE

The Wakefield office serves all of Hampton Roads and

Northeastern North Carolina. To reach its 24-hour recorded message

system, call: (757) 899-4200.

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