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House Passes Bill To Create Geospatial Coordinating Council
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The House Monday passed House Bill 1701 (Cutler-R-Lancaster) to create a State Geospatial Coordinating Council to assist the governor in creating uniform data standards and efficient geospatial policy and technology in Pennsylvania.
“The net effect of this legislation is a safer Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Bryan Cutler. “This legislation is vital to Pennsylvania’s emergency responders who rely on accurate mapping data to locate accident victims, hazardous sites and disaster locations. If emergency service providers have incorrect maps, it could add costly minutes to their crisis response times and could lead to the loss of life or the escalation of a catastrophe.”
House Bill 1701 would create a State Geospatial Coordinating Council made up of 19 members and would establish the PA Mapping and Geospatial Technologies Fund for the administrative and personnel costs of the council.
Individuals use geospatial technology daily through their GPS devices, weather tracking websites and online mapping services. The technology is used by police, fire and emergency service providers in responding to emergencies.
“Pennsylvania is one of four states that does not have a statewide geospatial coordinating council, and unfortunately, this has lead to fragmentation in our data and increased costs on local governments,” said Rep. Cutler. “There is a slight cost associated with the legislation; however, I believe the greater cost to Pennsylvania citizens would be to continue with the status quo.”
Rep. Cutler noted the benefits of establishing the council include its low cost, data-sharing ability, and enhancement of public safety, economic development and environmental protection efforts.
House Bill 1701 will now go before the Senate for consideration. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.
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4/9/2012 |
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