WHEREAS, these systems, referred to as Geospatial Technology, significantly increase efficiency to the State for conducting land, water, demographic, social and other natural resource management activities, and are linked as component parts of Idaho’s information management activities; and

       WHEREAS, Geospatial Products produced and maintained by organizations provide a valuable information infrastructure for public and private entities; and

       WHEREAS, Geospatial Technology assists state, federal and local governments in carrying out their mandated responsibilities more efficiently, with better services to taxpayers as a valuable tool for scientific investigation, resource management and development planning; and

      WHEREAS, it is important to provide channels of communication and cooperation among agencies of the State of Idaho, federal agencies, local and tribal governments, private organizations, education institutions and the citizens of Idaho; and

      WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate and promote the cooperation and coordination of programs, policies, products, and resources using Geospatial Technology to maximize opportunities and minimize duplication of effort; and

      WHEREAS, there is a need to develop and implement policies, guidelines, and standards for producing and sharing Geospatial Information; and

     WHEREAS, there is a need to support the ongoing development of a clearinghouse in order to foster the sharing of Geospatial Information; and

     WHEREAS, there is a need to provide education, training, and technical support for users of Geospatial Information to support consistency and efficiency; and

     WHEREAS, the Idaho Legislature annually appropriates a significant amount of state funds for agency Geospatial Technology activities that benefit from coordination; and

     WHEREAS, Geospatial Technology activities and implementation have a long-term economic benefit to the citizens of Idaho;

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Governor of the State of Idaho, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Idaho do hereby order:

1. There is continued the Idaho Geospatial Committee.

2. The purpose of the Idaho Geospatial Committee is to provide policy level direction and promote efficient and effective use of resources for matters related to geographic information. To that end it shall:

a. Promote cooperation among state, federal, tribal and local agencies, universities and the private sector in addressing geographic data and information needs and services in Idaho;
b. Review priorities for statewide geographic information needs and assist in the development of projects, plans, policies, standards, priorities and guidelines for geographic information;
c. Facilitate cooperative and contract arrangements to develop and maintain high-priority geospatial databases and applications programs;
d. Promote state geospatial information clearinghouse activities as a vehicle for sharing information on geospatial technology, programs, policies and resources to maximize opportunities and minimize duplication of effort, and to facilitate the standardization, documentation, distribution and exchange of geographic information; and,
e. Provide recommendations to ITRMC, the Governor and the Legislature, when appropriate, concerning issues related to geographic information in Idaho.

3. The Idaho Geospatial Committee shall receive administrative staff support from the Information Technology Resource Management Council staff.

4. The Idaho Geospatial Committee will meet not less than twice a year and all meetings are open to all interested parties.

5. The Idaho Geospatial Committee will appoint subcommittees consistent with the needs of the Committee to address issues including, but not limited to: the sharing of geospatial information through a geospatial clearinghouse; technical support and education issues related to geospatial technologies in Idaho; and outreach and liaison with the Federal Geographic Data Committee and geospatial coordinating committees in neighboring states.

6. The Idaho Geospatial Committee shall prepare and submit a report describing the Committee’s activities and achievements of the previous year to the Information Technology Resource Management Council by December 30 of each year. Additionally, the report shall include bylaws for this committee, address the need to provide education, training, and technical support for users of geospatial information and make recommendations.

7. The Idaho Geospatial Committee represents the Idaho geospatial user community and shall be composed of sixteen (16) representative members with knowledge of and interest in Geospatial Information and Technologies including representatives of: three (3) state agencies, one of whom will serve as chair (appointed by the Chairman of ITRMC), a representative from the state clearinghouse, and the State GIS Coordinator. Other members may include: the Idaho Federal Framework Coordinator, one (1) representative of the United States Department of Agriculture, one (1) representative of the United States Department of Interior, one (1) Tribal Government representative, one (1) representative of the State University System, two (2) representatives of the public utilities or private businesses, three (3) representatives from county and municipal governments, and (1) representative of the public at large. The Idaho Geospatial Committee’s membership shall be selected by the groups they represent and approved by the Information Technology Resource Management Council.

This Executive Order shall cease to be effective four years after its entry into force.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 25th day of January in the year of our Lord two thousand and six, and of the independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirtieth and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred sixteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE