WHEREAS, “TOPOFF3” is a federally-mandated emergency preparedness exercise designed to test the highest level of preparedness and coordination amongst various local, state and federal agencies; and

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut is in the preparation phase for the “TOPOFF3” exercise scheduled to take place in 2005; and

WHEREAS, geospatial data is geographical data used to precisely identify a certain location or area and is often used to create maps and informational profiles about that specific location or area; and

WHEREAS, geospatial information systems (GIS) technology provides a means for the dissemination of information about location and space; and

WHEREAS, geospatial data and GIS technology are essential for a coordinated, swift and effective response by municipalities and state agencies in the event of a homeland security emergency; and

WHEREAS, GIS technology can be utilized to guide decisions in the areas of emergency management, public health and safety, transportation, economic development and land use planning, environmental, cultural and natural resources management, and the delivery of public services; and

WHEREAS, the coordination of information between the State and various emergency preparedness and public service agencies will require that geospatial technology and data be shared by state agencies; and

WHEREAS, public service agencies in the State of Connecticut should develop and promote a forum in which geospatial information can be centralized and distributed; and

WHEREAS, state agencies should establish policies and procedures to ensure that (1) the means of collecting and distributing geospatial data are efficient and effective, and (2) all the appropriate parties receive geospatial data as needed to provide services to the public  without duplication or expansion of current resources; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

         1)   There shall hereby be created a Governor’s Interim Geospatial Council to coordinate and promote technology and sharing of geospatial information.

         2)   The Governor’s Interim Geospatial Council shall report their ideas and findings to the Governor, or her designee, and shall include the Commissioners or his or her designees from the following agencies:

• Connecticut State University System
• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Economic and Community Development
• Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Department of Information Technology
• Department of Public Health
• Department of Public Safety
• Department of Public Utility Control
• Department of Public Works
• Department of Transportation
• Office of Policy and Management
• University of Connecticut

3.  The Council shall develop policies and guidelines to implement a statewide geospatial data sharing network

4.  The Council shall prepare and submit a report to the Governor containing its legislative recommendations to establish a permanent council within the State to manage the network on geospatial data and technology.

5.  For purposes of funding the activities of the Council, the Council shall have the authority to apply for federal funding grants and may also accept and expend such grants on behalf of the State of Connecticut through the Office of Policy Management or such other state agencies as necessary

This Order shall take effect immediately.

M. JODI RELL

Governor

By Her Excellency’s Command:

Susan Bysiewicz

Secretary of the State