Continental Scientific Drilling is an essential activity of programs within the DOE, NSF, and USGS. The present U.S. Continental Scientific Drilling Program consists of a coordinated set of these activities that is also consistent with the missions of each agency. Because the programs of the participating agencies are related in scientific interests, a coordinated interagency effort in continental scientific drilling is both cost effective and highly beneficial. The Interagency Coordinating Group for Continental Scientific Drilling (ICG), formally in existence since the signing of the Interagency Accord on Continental Scientific Drilling in 1984, provides this coordination. This action provides funds in the form of an interagency transfer to the USGS to cover NSF's share of ICG expenses (Annual Report to Congress, ICG staff, workshop reports, etc.). Specifically, these funds will be used to pay NSF's share of expenses related to the Environmental Impact Statement for the Katmai Scientific Drilling Project which is being coordinated for the ICG by the USGS.
