Executive Order

Executive Order Continuing The Montana Geographic Information Council

    WHEREAS, geographic information plays a vital role in decision making processes for local, state and federal government entities as well as private businesses and citizens; and

    WHEREAS, geographic information is expensive to collect, maintain and analyze; and

    WHEREAS, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer systems for storing, assembling, manipulating and displaying geographically referenced material; and

    WHEREAS, GIS serve as valuable mediums for scientific investigation, resource management and development planning; and

    WHEREAS, GIS are currently being used and developed across Montana by local, state and federal agencies, as well as the business community, to facilitate effective decision making; and

    WHEREAS, there exists a need to coordinate these efforts to provide a cost effective, efficient means of assembling and distributing geospatial data among interested agencies and parties; and

    WHEREAS, a broad based effort, commitment, policy direction and framework is needed for Montana to develop and manage its geographic information resources; and

    WHEREAS, GIS is of long-term importance to all of the state; and

    WHEREAS, the state recognizes the importance of coordinating technology, including the concept of data sharing; and

    WHEREAS, the state adopted and endorses an aggressive policy regarding the use of technology to provide access to services and current and retrospective information with appropriate regard for budgetary considerations; and

    WHEREAS, the Information Technology Advisory Council (ITAC) recommended the creation of a formal position and coordinating body expressly to coordinate the collection, maintenance and distribution of geographic information.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARC RACICOT, Governor of the State of Montana, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the laws and Constitution of the State of Montana, do hereby create the Montana Geographic Information Council.

I. PURPOSE and DUTIES

    The purpose of the Montana Geographic Information Council 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:

1. promote a spirit of cooperation among state, federal and local agencies, and the private sector in addressing geographic data and information needs and services in Montana; and
2. review and establish priorities for statewide geographic information needs and assist in the development of implementation plans; and
3. facilitate cost sharing and collaborative arrangements to develop and maintain high-priority GIS data bases and applications programs; and
4. promote coordination of programs, policies, technologies and resources to maximize opportunities and minimize duplication of effort, and to facilitate the documentation, distribution and exchange of geographic information; and
5. ensure the development of consistent policies, standards and guidelines for geographic information; and
6. complement and enhance ongoing coordination efforts of the Montana GIS Interagency Technical Working Group, the Montana Local Government GIS Coalition, the Montana GIS Users Group, and others; and
7. serve as the primary point of contact for national, regional, and other states' GIS coordinating groups for the purpose of channeling issues and projects to the appropriate individuals, organizations, or agencies; and
8. provide recommendations to the Governor and the legislature, when appropriate, concerning issues related to geographic information in Montana.

II. COMPOSITION

    The Council shall consist of 16 members, appointed by the Governor, as follows:

1. four state agency heads (or designees) to represent all agencies within state government. These members shall include:
   1. the Director of the Department of Administration (or designee) who shall serve as chair or appoint a chair from the Council membership; and
   2. the State Librarian (or designee); and
   3. the Directors of two other state departments (or designees); and
2. three representatives from county and municipal government, at least one of whom is a local government representative active in land information systems; and
3. an individual representing the Federal Geographic Data Commission (FGDC); and
4. one representative from the US Department of Agriculture; and
5. one representative from the US Department of the Interior; and
6. two representatives chosen from public utilities or private businesses active in land information systems; and
7. one Tribal representative; and
8. one representative of the University System; and
9. the chair of the Montana GIS Interagency Technical Working Group (or designee); and
10. the chair of the Montana Local Government GIS Coalition (or designee).

    The Department of Administration/Information Services Division will provide administrative support for the Council. The Montana GIS Interagency Technical Working Group and the Montana Local Government GIS Coalition will provide technical support for the Council. The Council may seek additional technical support from the Montana GIS Users Group and other public or private sector entities.

    The names and addresses of members are submitted by separate letter to the Secretary of State and the Department of Administration.

III. DURATION

    This Council shall exist for a period of two years from the effective date of this Order unless otherwise ordered by subsequent Executive Order. This order is effective immediately.

	GIVEN under my hand and the GREAT SEAL of the State of Montana, this ___ day of __________, 2000. MARC RACICOT, Governor
ATTEST: MIKE COONEY, Secretary of State