[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE AMERICANVIEW GEOSPATIAL IMAGERY MAPPING PROGRAM ACT

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                     HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2009

  Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce 
the AmericaView Geospatial Imagery Mapping Program Act.
  AmericaView is a nationwide program that focuses on satellite remote 
sensing data and technologies in support of applied research, K-16 
education, workforce development, and technology transfer. AmericaView 
is administered through a partnership between the U.S. Geological 
Survey and the AmericaView Consortium, which is comprised of over 30 
``StateViews.'' The Consortium is the federal government's primary 
partner in achieving the program's vision and goals. Specifically, 
applied researchers at universities in each member state collaborate 
with each other and with government agencies to develop and share 
information and techniques for using remote sensing data.
  The purpose of this bill is to authorize the AmericaView Geospatial 
Imagery Mapping Program. By authorizing this program, Congress 
recognizes the important work conducted by the AmericaView Consortium 
in collaboration with U.S.G.S. Since the 1970s, the federal government 
has invested in earth-observing satellites that provide remote sensing 
imagery. When federal geospatial imagery is available in a cost-
effective and timely manner, state, local, and tribal governments as 
well as educational institutions are able to develop new scientific, 
educational, and practical applications for the data and to adopt new 
tools for applied research, education, and training.
  The AmericaView program is uniquely positioned to help each state 
develop applications and skills necessary to effectively apply 
geospatial imagery for multiple state-focused mapping purposes, and to 
expand the use and benefits of geospatial imagery for research and 
operational purposes within each state.
  Thank you, Madam Speaker. I look forward to working with all my 
colleagues to promptly pass the AmericaView Geospatial Imagery Mapping 
Program Act.

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