TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending July 1, 2005

 

HR 2362 to reauthorize and amend the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992.

                                                                                         

BRIEF

   The bill makes some revisions concerning the databases of information related to Geologic Society maps and other modifications designed to improve performance of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992

   The bill report noted that “Geologic maps provide important information needed for identifying energy, mineral and water resources, and geologic and environmental hazards such as active faults and seismic areas, unstable ground subject to landslides, swelling soils, floodplains and abandoned mined lands. Understanding the sub-surface geology and soil profiles can facilitate better planning for septic systems in rural areas, water treatment facilities, road construction and maintenance, home construction and other infrastructure.

“More than 7,500 new geologic maps have been produced through this cooperative program. To date 49 states and Puerto Rico have participated in this program, producing high quality digital that cover approximately 25% of the U.S.. Monies expended in this program reap significant benefits. An economic analysis of the impact of Kentucky's geologic mapping program showed the economic return to the State was at a minimum 25 times the cost of the program. Kentucky is the only state that has been completely mapped.”

  The program objective would be modified to remove the creation of a database for geo-physical and geo-chemical components but help in locating specific maps and databases would be added.

   The bill attempts to expedite the cooperative Sate and Federal effort to map the country. Only 25 percent of the US has been mapped since the program began in 1992.

 

 

Sponsor: Representative Jim Gibbons (R-NV-2nd)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote (June 27, 2005)

Cost to the taxpayers: $64 million for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010. $21 million in fiscal year 2006 and $255 million over the 2006-2010 period.

## All Rights Reserved. © 2005 TheWeekInCongress.com No reproduction or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.

 

MORE INFORMATION

 

 

## All Rights Reserved. © 2005 TheWeekInCongress.com.

No reproduction or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.