I am not a government official so I am going to say having lived close to government operations, that there are two ways to look at this. The University is in competition with every University in the Country for federal dollars. Who ever has the most accurate models, computer predictions and political power will win. The private corporations with the most grants, "donations" and other fancy ways of saying contribution will play into the mix of who what and when. The liability is not with the public, who do not pay attention even when they are told, but with the Insurance speculators, Agricultural fields and oh yes! the security of the nation.
Did China not make the news recently regarding making artificial rain? IF we thought space was the final frontier we were all sadly mistaken.
I only shutter to consider the other reason and will gladly except PM on this site if any one wants my opinon on the other reason. PS, I imagine this post could be blasted into the graveyard,however, it is an extremely important topic.