Invest $15M over 5 years

“The issue is the issue” – Shelby Johnson
The Arkansas Geographic Information Office (AGIO) is leading an effort to build a coordinated Geographic Information System (GIS) for the State of Arkansas.  To achieve that goal the agency is seeking sustainable funding to invest in creating and maintaining the data.  Shelby Johnson, Arkansas GIO had the opportunity to present the Arkansas Geospatial Strategic Business Plan to the Governor Office and the Legislative Joint Advanced Communications and Information Technology Committee. This article records the process of advocating for this request and is an important part of the story.
Timeline
  • February 2009– AGIO received an Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Cooperative Agreement Program (CAP) grant.
  • July 2009- AGIO followed proper state procurement protocols and selected Applied Geographic to assist in developing the plan.
  • August – September 2009- Meetings were held in five regions across the state of Arkansas. Interviews were conducted with key state leaders in the Governor Office, Legislature, State Budget Office, and with directors of county and state entities (page 8).
  • March 2010- The Arkansas Geospatial Strategic Business Plan is finalized, endorsed by the State GIS Board, and published online.
  • May 2010- A copy of the plan was provided to key state leaders
  • May 24, 2010- The plan becomes an issue in a primary race for the Commissioner of State Lands Office. Arkansas Times blog post
  • June 4, 2010- The plan is endorsed by the Arkansas Society of Professional Surveyors Board of Directors
  • June 8, 2010- AGIO host a lunch for executive contributors to provide an overview of the plan.
  • June 8, 2010- Arkansas GIO provides Governor Beebe’s Office a briefing of the plan.
  • June 9, 2010- Arkansas GIO briefs the Legislative Joint Advanced Communications and Information
  • June 28, 2010- The plan is endorsed by the Arkansas Assessors Association.
  • July 19, 2010 – Arkansas GIO briefs County Clerks Association on how the plan will improve redistricting in 2011.
  • Jul 21, 2010 – Arkansas GIO seeks the endorsement of the Arkansas Forestry Association for the plan.
  • August 10th – The plan is endorsed by the Arkansas Association of Counties.
  • September 3rd – The plan is endorsed by the Arkansas Forestry Association.
The plan calls for an investment of $15M over five years. The investment calls for recurring capture of orthos, completing parcels statewide, boundary maintenance, road centerline & address maintenance, and additional staff for the AGIO.