I wanted to make everyone aware of a proposed budget change for USGS in
FY11.  USGS is proposing to eliminate all of the "Partnership" funding
which is used to match state and local dollars for acquisition of GIS
data, such as aerial photos and lidar.  This elimination is $3.5M and is
outlined in the budget 'greenbook' at 
http://www.usgs.gov/budget/2011/2011index.asp (pages F-11 and I-29).
 
Maine has used this funding in the past to match several state or
municipal projects including:
 
2003-2004 GeoLibrary-funded 1ft and 2ft orthophotos  $1.6M
2006 central coastal towns (mostly Cumberland, Saco to Bath) 6"
orthophotos $21,600
2007 York county 6" orthophotos $35,000
2009 Androscoggin County lidar $92,000
 
In all cases USGS provided a portion of the funding, but not all,
anywhere from 20-50% of the cost, leveraging local and state dollars in
return for inexpensive data.
 
If passed, this budget change may impact your town or county's
geospatial plans, reducing the ability to find federal matching dollars
for collection of new aerial photos or lidar.
 
The budget is not finalized and must be approved by Congress.  Maine's
senator Susan Collins sits on the Appropriations subcommittee that will
have the first look at this budget and make modifications probably next
week.  If you feel this may impact your geospatial plans, you might
consider discussing the issue with her staff by phone or by letter.
 
*****************
Michael Smith
State GIS Manager, Maine Office of GIS
Board Member, Maine GeoLibrary
Board Member, Maine GIS Users Group
State Rep, National States Geographic Information Council
    

State House Station 174
264 Civic Center Drive
(207) 215-5530

69o 47' 49.5"W 44o 20' 54.5"N

 

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