Federal Geospatial Data Act Update

On Wednesday, October 3, 2018, the U.S. Senate gave final approval of the FAA Reauthorization bill, sending the legislation to the White House for the President’s signature. This bill includes language from the previously proposed legislation under the name “Geospatial Data Act”. In 2015, WLIA sent a letter of support for the Geospatial Data Act to our U.S. Senators. Our association has been supportive of the act over the last few years, but it had not gained congressional approval until now. The FAA Reauthorization bill passed the Senate by a 93-to-6 vote.

What does this mean for WLIA and its members? There is probably not an immediate impact on state and local government. Longer term it could have positive impacts on future funding bills that could help state and local government mapping activities via partnership and grants. While this bill does not provide any funding it opens the door for future funding activities. The bill also requires federal agencies to work more closely with state, local, tribes, higher education, and private sector partners in collecting, maintaining, disseminating, and preserving geospatial data.

Related links:

H.R. 302 – FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Congress.Gov landing page for the bill.)

Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (direct link to Subtitle F – Geospatial Data within H.R. 302.)

Related articles:

National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) response.