North Central PA Times

The state Senate today approved a bill introduced by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) to extend the life and reform the structure of a state board responsible for policy analysis and data oversight related to weather maps, real estate listings, traffic and accident data, emergency responses, and other geospatial information.

“Pennsylvanians rely on geospatial information every time they check the weather, track a package or use their GPS for directions,” Culver said. “This state board provides guidance and suggestions about policies and procedures in a field that affects the everyday lives of Pennsylvanians.”

Culver’s Senate Bill 1138 would extend the sunset date on the Pennsylvania State Geospatial Coordinating Board. The board provides advice and recommendations to the governor and citizens of the commonwealth about geospatial policy issues and establishes uniform data standards.

Geospatial data is used by federal, state, and local governments to develop weather maps and issue warnings; establish property lines and track real estate transactions; provide real-time information about traffic, accidents, construction, road closures, and snowplow locations; and dispatch, monitor, and guide first responders.

Culver’s bill also would add the secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development and the head of the Pennsylvania Department of State, known as the secretary of the commonwealth, as voting members of the board. The bill would increase the required number of members necessary to reach a quorum from 10 to 11. A quorum is required to hold meetings and conduct official business.

“Many Pennsylvanians might not be aware this board exists, but the work it performs is valuable for families and communities,” Culver said. “Accurate extreme weather warnings, directions for police, firefighters, and other first responders, and other uses of geospatial data can save lives in our commonwealth.”

Culver’s bill now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

More information about Culver is available online at SenatorCulver.com. Residents can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenCulver and on Instagram at Instagram.com/SenatorCulver for updates about legislative action in Harrisburg and news in the 27th District.

Media Contact: Betsy Reichenbach

717-787-8928