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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This list Maine GeoNews (GEOLIBRARY-L) is an unmoderated discussion list for all Maine GIS Users. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from this list, you can remove your name and email address yourself at the this web address: http://lists.maine.edu/cgi/wa?SUBED1=geolibrary-l&A=1 Or,you may also request that your name be removed by sending email to: [log in to unmask]