[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 39 Reported in Senate (RS)]

                                                        Calendar No. 90
110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                 S. 39

                          [Report No. 110-39]

 To establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program within 
  the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other 
                               purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 4, 2007

  Mr. Stevens introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
   referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

                             March 27, 2007

               Reported by Mr. Inouye, with an amendment
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                               in italic]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program within 
  the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Ocean and 
Coastal Exploration and NOAA Act (OCEAN Act)''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
is as follows:</DELETED>

<DELETED>Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
          <DELETED>TITLE I--NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM

<DELETED>Sec. 101. Short title.
<DELETED>Sec. 102. Establishment.
<DELETED>Sec. 103. Authorities.
<DELETED>Sec. 104. Exploration technology and infrastructure task 
                            force.
<DELETED>Sec. 105. Interagency financing.
<DELETED>Sec. 106. Authorization of appropriations.
              <DELETED>TITLE II--UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM

<DELETED>Sec. 201. Short title.
<DELETED>Sec. 202. Establishment.
<DELETED>Sec. 203. Purpose.
<DELETED>Sec. 204. Program.
<DELETED>Sec. 205. Regional centers and technology institute.
<DELETED>Sec. 206. Competitiveness.
<DELETED>Sec. 207. Authorization of appropriations.

     <DELETED>TITLE I--NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    This title may be cited as the ``National Ocean 
Exploration Program Act''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 102. ESTABLISHMENT.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    The Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall, in 
consultation with the National Science Foundation and other appropriate 
Federal agencies, establish a coordinated national ocean exploration 
program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that 
promotes collaboration with existing programs of the agency, including 
those authorized in title II.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 103. AUTHORITIES.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    In carrying out the program the Administrator of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages 
        or other scientific activities in conjunction with other 
        Federal agencies or academic or educational institutions, to 
        survey little known areas of the marine environment, inventory, 
        observe, and assess living and nonliving marine resources, and 
        report such findings;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) give priority attention to deep ocean regions, 
        with a focus on surveying deep water marine systems that hold 
        potential for important scientific discoveries, such as 
        hydrothermal vent communities and seamounts;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) conduct scientific voyages to locate, define, 
        and document historic shipwrecks, submerged sites, and other 
        ocean exploration activities that combine archaeology and 
        oceanographic sciences;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) develop, in consultation with the National 
        Science Foundation, a transparent process for reviewing and 
        approving proposals for activities to be conducted under this 
        program;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (5) enhance the technical capability of the United 
        States marine science community by promoting the development of 
        improved oceanographic research, communication, navigation, and 
        data collection systems, as well as underwater platforms and 
        sensors;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (6) accept donations of property, data, and 
        equipment to be applied for the purpose of exploring the oceans 
        or increasing knowledge of the oceans;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (7) establish an ocean exploration forum to 
        encourage partnerships and promote communication among experts 
        and other stakeholders in order to enhance the scientific and 
        technical expertise and relevance of the national program; 
        and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (8) avoid directing the programs towards 
        activities relating to global temperature trends and instead 
        focus on underwater regions of particular scientific 
        interest.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 104. EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE TASK 
              FORCE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in 
coordination with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
the U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Naval Research, and relevant 
governmental, non-governmental, academic, and other experts, shall 
convene an ocean technology and infrastructure task force to develop 
and implement a strategy--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) to facilitate transfer of new exploration 
        technology to the program;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) to improve availability of communications 
        infrastructure, including satellite capabilities, to the 
        program;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) to develop an integrated, workable and 
        comprehensive data management information processing system 
        that will make information on unique and significant features 
        obtained by the program available for research and management 
        purposes;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) to conduct public outreach activities that 
        improve the public understanding of ocean science, resources, 
        and processes, in conjunction with relevant programs of the 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National 
        Science Foundation, and other agencies; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (5) to encourage cost-sharing partnerships with 
        governmental and non-governmental entities that will assist in 
        transferring exploration technology and technical expertise to 
        the program.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 105. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 
National Science Foundation, and other Federal agencies involved in the 
program, are authorized to participate in interagency financing and 
share, transfer, receive and spend funds appropriated to any Federal 
participant in the program for the purposes of carrying out any 
administrative or programmatic project or activity under this section. 
Funds may be transferred among such departments and agencies through an 
appropriate instrument that specifies the goods, services, or space 
being acquired from another Federal participant and the costs of the 
same.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    There are authorized to be appropriated to the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the program--
</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) $33,550,000 for fiscal year 2009;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) $36,905,000 for fiscal year 2010;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) $40,596,000 for fiscal year 2011;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (5) $44,655,000 for fiscal year 2012;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (6) $49,121,000 for fiscal year 2013;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (7) $54,033,000 for fiscal year 2014;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (8) $59,436,000 for fiscal year 2015;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (9) $65,379,000 for fiscal year 2016; 
        and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (10) $71,917,000 for fiscal year 2017.</DELETED>

         <DELETED>TITLE II--UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    This title may be cited as the ``NOAA Undersea Research 
Program Act of 2007''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration shall establish and maintain an undersea research 
program and shall designate a Director of that program.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 203. PURPOSE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    The purpose of the program is to increase scientific 
knowledge essential for the informed management, use and preservation 
of oceanic, coastal and large lake resources through undersea research, 
exploration, education and technology development. The program shall be 
part of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's undersea 
research, education, and technology development efforts, and also make 
available the infrastructure and expertise to service the undersea 
science needs of the academic community.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 204. PROGRAM.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    The program shall be conducted through a national 
headquarters, a network of regional undersea research centers, and a 
national technology institute. Overall direction of the program will be 
provided by the program director with advice from the Council of Center 
directors comprised of the directors of the regional centers and the 
national technology institute.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 205. REGIONAL CENTERS AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    The following research, exploration, education, and 
technology programs shall be conducted through the network of regional 
centers and the national technology institute:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) Core research and exploration based on 
        national and regional undersea research priorities.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) Advanced undersea technology to support the 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research 
        mission and programs.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) Undersea science-based education and outreach 
        programs to enrich ocean science education and public awareness 
        of the oceans and Great Lakes.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) Development of advanced undersea technology 
        associated with seafloor observatories, remotely operated 
        vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and new sampling and 
        sensing technologies.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (5) Discovery, study, and development of natural 
        products from ocean and aquatic systems.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 206. COMPETITIVENESS.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    Except for a small discretionary fund for rapid response 
activities and for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-
related service projects, for which no more than 10 percent of the 
program budget shall be set aside, the external projects supported by 
the regional centers shall be managed using an open and competitive 
process to evaluate scientific merit, relevance to the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, regional and national research goals, 
and technical feasibility.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    There are authorized to be appropriated to the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) for fiscal year 2008--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $12,500,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $5,000,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) for fiscal year 2009--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $13,750,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $5,500,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) for fiscal year 2010--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $15,125,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $6,050,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) for fiscal year 2011--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $16,638,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $6,655,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (5) for fiscal year 2012--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $18,301,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $7,321,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (6) for fiscal year 2013--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $20,131,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $8,053,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (7) for fiscal year 2014--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $22,145,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $8,859,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (8) for fiscal year 2015--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $24,359,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $9,744,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (9) for fiscal year 2016--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $26,795,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $10,718,000 for the National 
                Technology Institute; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (10) for fiscal year 2017--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) $29,474,000 for the regional centers, 
                of which 50 percent shall be for West Coast Regional 
                Centers and 50 percent shall be for East Coast Regional 
                Centers; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) $11,790,000 for the National 
                Technology Institute.</DELETED>

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Ocean and Coastal 
Exploration and NOAA Act (OCEAN Act)''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

              TITLE I--NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM

Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Establishment.
Sec. 103. Authorities.
Sec. 104. Exploration technology and infrastructure task force.
Sec. 105. Interagency financing.
Sec. 106. Authorization of appropriations.

                  TITLE II--UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM

Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Establishment.
Sec. 203. Purpose.
Sec. 204. Program.
Sec. 205. Regional centers and technology institute.
Sec. 206. Competitiveness.
Sec. 207. Authorization of appropriations.

            TITLE III--OCEAN AND COASTAL MAPPING INTEGRATION

Sec. 301. Short title.
Sec. 302. Integrated ocean and coastal mapping program.
Sec. 303. Interagency Committee on ocean and coastal mapping.
Sec. 304. NOAA integrated mapping initiative.
Sec. 305. Interagency program reporting.
Sec. 306. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 307. Definitions.

              TITLE I--NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM

SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``National Ocean Exploration Program 
Act''.

SEC. 102. ESTABLISHMENT.

    The Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall, in consultation 
with the National Science Foundation and other appropriate Federal 
agencies, establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program 
within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that 
promotes collaboration with existing programs of the agency, including 
those authorized in title II.

SEC. 103. AUTHORITIES.

    In carrying out the program the Administrator of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall--
            (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages or other 
        scientific activities in conjunction with other Federal 
        agencies or academic or educational institutions, to survey 
        little known areas of the marine environment, inventory, 
        observe, and assess living and nonliving marine resources, and 
        report such findings;
            (2) give priority attention to deep ocean regions, with a 
        focus on surveying deep water marine systems that hold 
        potential for important scientific discoveries, such as 
        hydrothermal vent communities and seamounts;
            (3) conduct scientific voyages to locate, define, and 
        document historic shipwrecks, submerged sites, and other ocean 
        exploration activities that combine archaeology and 
        oceanographic sciences;
            (4) develop, in consultation with the National Science 
        Foundation, a transparent process for reviewing and approving 
        proposals for activities to be conducted under this program;
            (5) enhance the technical capability of the United States 
        marine science community by promoting the development of 
        improved oceanographic research, communication, navigation, and 
        data collection systems, as well as underwater platforms and 
        sensors;
            (6) accept donations of property, data, and equipment to be 
        applied for the purpose of exploring the oceans or increasing 
        knowledge of the oceans; and
            (7) establish an ocean exploration forum to encourage 
        partnerships and promote communication among experts and other 
        stakeholders in order to enhance the scientific and technical 
        expertise and relevance of the national program.

SEC. 104. EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE.

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in 
coordination with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
the U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Naval Research, and relevant 
governmental, non-governmental, academic, and other experts, shall 
convene an ocean technology and infrastructure task force to develop 
and implement a strategy--
            (1) to facilitate transfer of new exploration technology to 
        the program;
            (2) to improve availability of communications 
        infrastructure, including satellite capabilities, to the 
        program;
            (3) to develop an integrated, workable and comprehensive 
        data management information processing system that will make 
        information on unique and significant features obtained by the 
        program available for research and management purposes;
            (4) to conduct public outreach activities that improve the 
        public understanding of ocean science, resources, and 
        processes, in conjunction with relevant programs of the 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National 
        Science Foundation, and other agencies; and
            (5) to encourage cost-sharing partnerships with 
        governmental and non-governmental entities that will assist in 
        transferring exploration technology and technical expertise to 
        the program.

SEC. 105. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National 
Science Foundation, and other Federal agencies involved in the program, 
are authorized to participate in interagency financing and share, 
transfer, receive and spend funds appropriated to any Federal 
participant in the program for the purposes of carrying out any 
administrative or programmatic project or activity under this section. 
Funds may be transferred among such departments and agencies through an 
appropriate instrument that specifies the goods, services, or space 
being acquired from another Federal participant and the costs of the 
same.

SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out the program--
            (1) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
            (2) $33,550,000 for fiscal year 2009;
            (3) $36,905,000 for fiscal year 2010;
            (4) $40,596,000 for fiscal year 2011;
            (5) $44,655,000 for fiscal year 2012;
            (6) $49,121,000 for fiscal year 2013;
            (7) $54,033,000 for fiscal year 2014;
            (8) $59,436,000 for fiscal year 2015;
            (9) $65,379,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
            (10) $71,917,000 for fiscal year 2017.

                  TITLE II--UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``NOAA Undersea Research Program Act 
of 2007''.

SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT.

    The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration shall establish and maintain an undersea research 
program and shall designate a Director of that program.

SEC. 203. PURPOSE.

    The purpose of the program is to increase scientific knowledge 
essential for the informed management, use and preservation of oceanic, 
coastal and large lake resources through undersea research, 
exploration, education and technology development. The program shall be 
part of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's undersea 
research, education, and technology development efforts, and also make 
available the infrastructure and expertise to service the undersea 
science needs of the academic community.

SEC. 204. PROGRAM.

    The program shall be conducted through a national headquarters, a 
network of regional undersea research centers, and a national 
technology institute. Overall direction of the program will be provided 
by the program director with advice from the Council of Center 
directors comprised of the directors of the regional centers and the 
national technology institute.

SEC. 205. REGIONAL CENTERS AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE.

    The following research, exploration, education, and technology 
programs shall be conducted through the network of regional centers and 
the national technology institute:
            (1) Core research and exploration based on national and 
        regional undersea research priorities.
            (2) Advanced undersea technology to support the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research mission and 
        programs.
            (3) Undersea science-based education and outreach programs 
        to enrich ocean science education and public awareness of the 
        oceans and Great Lakes.
            (4) Development of advanced undersea technology associated 
        with seafloor observatories, remotely operated vehicles, 
        autonomous underwater vehicles, and new sampling and sensing 
        technologies.
            (5) Discovery, study, and development of natural products 
        from ocean and aquatic systems.
            (6) Discovery, study, monitoring, and evaluation of United 
        States ocean and coastal resources, such as wave, current, 
        tidal, and biological resources.

SEC. 206. COMPETITIVENESS.

    Except for a small discretionary fund for rapid response activities 
and for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-related 
service projects, for which no more than 10 percent of the program 
budget shall be set aside, the external projects supported by the 
regional centers shall be managed using an open and competitive process 
to evaluate scientific merit, relevance to the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, regional and national research goals, and 
technical feasibility.

SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration--
            (1) for fiscal year 2008--
                    (A) $12,500,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $5,000,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;
            (2) for fiscal year 2009--
                    (A) $13,750,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $5,500,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;
            (3) for fiscal year 2010--
                    (A) $15,125,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $6,050,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;
            (4) for fiscal year 2011--
                    (A) $16,638,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $6,655,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;
            (5) for fiscal year 2012--
                    (A) $18,301,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $7,321,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;
            (6) for fiscal year 2013--
                    (A) $20,131,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $8,053,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;
            (7) for fiscal year 2014--
                    (A) $22,145,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $8,859,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;
            (8) for fiscal year 2015--
                    (A) $24,359,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $9,744,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute;
            (9) for fiscal year 2016--
                    (A) $26,795,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $10,718,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute; and
            (10) for fiscal year 2017--
                    (A) $29,474,000 for the regional centers, of which 
                50 percent shall be for West Coast regional centers and 
                50 percent shall be for East Coast regional centers; 
                and
                    (B) $11,790,000 for the National Technology 
                Institute.

            TITLE III--OCEAN AND COASTAL MAPPING INTEGRATION

SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Ocean and Coastal Mapping 
Integration Act''.

SEC. 302. INTEGRATED OCEAN AND COASTAL MAPPING PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration shall establish a program to develop, in 
coordination with the Interagency Committee on Ocean and Coastal 
Mapping, a coordinated and comprehensive Federal ocean and coastal 
mapping plan for the Great Lakes and Coastal State waters, the 
territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf 
of the United States that enhances ecosystem approaches in decision-
making for conservation and management of marine resources and 
habitats, establishes research priorities, supports the siting of 
research and other platforms, and advances ocean and coastal science.
    (b) Program Parameters.--In developing such a program, the 
Administrator shall work with the Committee to--
            (1) identify all Federal and federally-funded programs 
        conducting shoreline delineation and ocean or coastal mapping, 
        noting geographic coverage, frequency, spatial coverage, 
        resolution, and subject matter focus of the data and location 
        of data archives;
            (2) promote cost-effective, cooperative mapping efforts 
        that incorporate policies for private sector contracting among 
        all Federal agencies conducting ocean and coastal mapping 
        agencies by increasing data sharing, developing data 
        acquisition and metadata standards, and facilitating the 
        interoperability of in situ data collection systems, data 
        processing, archiving, and distribution of data products;
            (3) facilitate the adaptation of existing technologies as 
        well as foster expertise in new ocean and coastal mapping 
        technologies, including through research, development, and 
        training conducted in cooperation with the private sector, 
        academia, and other non-Federal entities;
            (4) develop standards and protocols for testing innovative 
        experimental mapping technologies and transferring new 
        technologies between the Federal Government and the private 
        sector or academia;
            (5) centrally archive, manage, and distribute data sets as 
        well as provide mapping products and services to the general 
        public in service of statutory requirements;
            (6) develop specific data presentation standards for use by 
        Federal, State, and other entities that document locations of 
        federally-permitted activities, living and nonliving resources, 
        marine ecosystems, sensitive habitats, submerged cultural 
        resources, undersea cables, offshore aquaculture projects, and 
        any areas designated for the purposes of environmental 
        protection or conservation and management of living marine 
        resources; and
            (7) identify the procedures to be used for coordinating 
        Federal data with State and local government programs.

SEC. 303. INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON OCEAN AND COASTAL MAPPING.

    (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established an Interagency 
Committee on Ocean and Coastal Mapping.
    (b) Membership.--The Committee shall be comprised of senior 
representatives from Federal agencies with ocean and coastal mapping 
and surveying responsibilities. The representatives shall be high-
ranking officials of their respective agencies or departments and, 
whenever possible, the head of the portion of the agency or department 
that is most relevant to the purposes of this title. Membership shall 
include senior representatives from the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, the Chief of Naval Operations, the United 
States Geological Survey, Minerals Management Service, National Science 
Foundation, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, United States Army 
Corps of Engineers, United States Coast Guard, Environmental Protection 
Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration, and other appropriate Federal agencies 
involved in ocean and coastal mapping.
    (c) Chairman.--The Committee shall be chaired by the representative 
from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The chairman 
may create subcommittees chaired by any member agency of the committee. 
Working groups may be formed by the full Committee to address issues of 
short duration.
    (d) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet on a quarterly basis, but 
subcommittee or working group meetings shall meet on an as-needed 
basis.
    (e) Coordination.--The committee shall coordinate activities, when 
appropriate, with--
            (1) other Federal efforts, including the Digital Coast, 
        Geospatial One-Stop, and the Federal Geographic Data Committee;
            (2) international mapping activities;
            (3) States and user groups through workshops and other 
        appropriate mechanisms; and
            (4) representatives of the private sector.

SEC. 304. NOAA INTEGRATED MAPPING INITIATIVE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Committee, shall develop and submit to the Congress a plan for an 
integrated ocean and coastal mapping initiative within the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    (b) Plan Requirements.--The plan shall--
            (1) identify and describe all ocean and coastal mapping 
        programs within the agency, including those that conduct 
        mapping or related activities in the course of existing 
        missions, such as hydrographic surveys, ocean exploration 
        projects, living marine resource conservation and management 
        programs, coastal zone management projects, and ocean and 
        coastal science projects;
            (2) establish priority mapping programs and establish and 
        periodically update priorities for geographic areas in 
        surveying and mapping, as well as minimum data acquisition and 
        metadata standards for those programs;
            (3) encourage the development of innovative ocean and 
        coastal mapping technologies and applications through research 
        and development through cooperative or other agreements at 
        joint centers of excellence and with the private sector;
            (4) document available and developing technologies, best 
        practices in data processing and distribution, and leveraging 
        opportunities with other Federal agencies, non-governmental 
        organizations, and the private sector;
            (5) identify training, technology, and other resource 
        requirements for enabling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration's programs, ships, and aircraft to support a 
        coordinated ocean and coastal mapping program;
            (6) identify a centralized mechanism or office for 
        coordinating data collection, processing, archiving, and 
        dissemination activities of all such mapping programs within 
        the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
        including--
                    (A) designating primary data processing centers to 
                maximize efficiency in information technology 
                investment, develop consistency in data processing, and 
                meet Federal mandates for data accessibility; and
                    (B) designating a repository that is responsible 
                for archiving and managing the distribution of all 
                ocean and coastal mapping data to simplify the 
                provision of services to benefit Federal and State 
                programs; and
            (7) set forth a timetable for implementation and completion 
        of the plan, including a schedule for periodic Congressional 
        progress reports, and recommendations for integrating 
        approaches developed under the initiative into the interagency 
        program.
    (c) NOAA Joint Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers.--The 
Administrator is authorized to maintain and operate up to 3 joint ocean 
and coastal mapping centers, including a joint hydrographic center, 
which shall be co-located with an institution of higher education. The 
centers shall serve as hydrographic centers of excellence and are 
authorized to conduct activities necessary to carry out the purposes of 
this title, including--
            (1) research and development of innovative ocean and 
        coastal mapping technologies, equipment, and data products;
            (2) mapping of the United States outer continental shelf;
            (3) data processing for non-traditional data and uses;
            (4) advancing the use of remote sensing technologies, for 
        related issues, including mapping and assessment of essential 
        fish habitat and of coral resources, ocean observations and 
        ocean exploration; and
            (5) providing graduate education in ocean and coastal 
        mapping sciences for National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, personnel of other 
        agencies with ocean and coastal mapping programs, and civilian 
        personnel.
    (d) NOAA Report.--The Administrator shall continue developing a 
strategy for expanding contracting with private entities to minimize 
duplication and take maximum advantage of private sector capabilities 
in fulfilling the Administration's mapping and charting 
responsibilities. Within 120 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report describing the strategy 
developed under this subsection to the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee 
on Resources.

SEC. 305. INTERAGENCY PROGRAM REPORTING.

    No later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
and bi-annually thereafter, the Chairman of the Committee shall 
transmit to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Resources 
a report detailing progress made in implementing the provisions of this 
title, including--
            (1) an inventory of ocean and coastal mapping data, noting 
        the metadata, within the territorial seas and the exclusive 
        economic zone and throughout the continental shelf of the 
        United States, noting the age and source of the survey and the 
        spatial resolution (metadata) of the data;
            (2) identification of priority areas in need of survey 
        coverage using present technologies;
            (3) a resource plan that identifies when priority areas in 
        need of modern ocean and coastal mapping surveys can be 
        accomplished;
            (4) the status of efforts to produce integrated digital 
        maps of ocean and coastal areas;
            (5) a description of any products resulting from 
        coordinated mapping efforts under this title that improve 
        public understanding of the coasts, oceans, or regulatory 
        decision-making;
            (6) documentation of minimum and desired standards for data 
        acquisition and integrated metadata;
            (7) a statement of the status of Federal efforts to 
        leverage mapping technologies, coordinate mapping activities, 
        share expertise, and exchange data;
            (8) a statement of resource requirements for organizations 
        to meet the goals of the program, including technology needs 
        for data acquisition, processing and distribution systems;
            (9) a statement of the status of efforts to declassify data 
        gathered by the Navy, the National Geospatial-Intelligence 
        Agency and other agencies to the extent possible without 
        jeopardizing national security, and make it available to 
        partner agencies and the public; and
            (10) a resource plan for a digital coast integrated mapping 
        pilot project for the northern Gulf of Mexico that will--
                    (A) cover the area from the authorized coastal 
                counties through the territorial sea;
                    (B) identify how such a pilot project will leverage 
                public and private mapping data and resources, such as 
                the United States Geological Survey National Map, to 
                result in an operational coastal change assessment 
                program for the subregion;
            (11) the status of efforts to coordinate Federal programs 
        with State and local government programs and leverage those 
        programs; and
            (12) describes efforts of Federal agencies to increase 
        private sector contracting.

SEC. 306. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) In General.--In addition to the amounts authorized by section 
306 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 
892d), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to 
carry out this title--
            (1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
            (2) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
            (3) $32,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
            (4) $38,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
            (5) $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015.
    (b) Joint Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers.--Of the amounts 
appropriated pursuant to subsection (a), the following amounts shall be 
used to carry out section 304(c) of this title:
            (1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
            (2) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
            (3) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
            (4) $13,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
            (5) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015.
    (c) Interagency Committee.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, from amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 2008 
through 2015 to the Department of Defense, the Department of the 
Interior, the Department of Homeland Security, the Environmental 
Protection Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, the head of each such department or agency may make 
available not more than $10,000,000 per fiscal year to carry out 
interagency activities under section 303 of this title.

SEC. 307. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
        Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration.
            (2) Coastal state.--The term ``coastal state'' has the 
        meaning given that term by section 304(4) of the Coastal Zone 
        Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453(4).
            (3) Committee.--The term ``Committee'' means the 
        Interagency Ocean Mapping Committee established by section 303.
            (4) Exclusive economic zone.--The term ``exclusive economic 
        zone'' means the exclusive economic zone of the United States 
        established by Presidential Proclamation No. 5030, of March 10, 
        1983.
            (5) Ocean and coastal mapping.--The term ``ocean and 
        coastal mapping'' means the acquisition, processing, and 
        management of physical, biological, geological, chemical, and 
        archaeological characteristics and boundaries of ocean and 
        coastal areas, resources, and sea beds through the use of 
        acoustics, satellites, aerial photogrammetry, light and 
        imaging, direct sampling, and other mapping technologies.
            (6) Territorial sea.--The term ``territorial sea'' means 
        the belt of sea measured from the baseline of the United States 
        determined in accordance with international law, as set forth 
        in Presidential Proclamation Number 5928, dated December 27, 
        1988.
                                                        Calendar No. 90

110th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                                 S. 39

                          [Report No. 110-39]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 To establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program within 
  the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other 
                               purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                             March 27, 2007

                       Reported with an amendment