Agency: Technology Services

Line Item: Integrated Technology

Function

The Integrated Technology Line Item includes the Automated Geographic Reference Center and the Statewide Interoperable Communications project also known as Omni-Link.

The Automated Geographic Reference Center (AGRC) is the largest part of the total budget for the Integrated Technology Line Item. A primary function of AGRC is to maintain and enhance Utah's State Geographic Information Database (SGID). The SGID, built on the approach of collected once and used by many, contains over 400 layers of geospatial data that are regularly used by state agencies and local governments. AGRC works with state agencies to geospatially enable their data; this creates the opportunity for integrating information within a department and across other agencies. Examples of its work includes leveraging federal funds to partner with state agencies and local governments to acquire high-resolution aerial photography; mapping of rural RS-2477 roads; depiction of administrative boundaries such as municipal and special service district boundaries, and legislative district boundaries; and development of statewide layers as roads, streets and addresses (supporting E911), and parcels.

Statutory Authority

UCA 63F-1-506 creates AGRC as part of Integrated Technology in order to:

• Provide Geographic Information System (GIS) services to state agencies, federal government, local political subdivisions, and private persons under rules established by the division
• Manage the SGID
• Assist the Lieutenant Governor, state agencies, and local entities with boundary creation, changes, collection, tracking, and mapping

UCA 63F-1-507 creates the State Geographic Information Database (SGID) to be managed by AGRC. The database serves as the central reference for all information contained in any GIS database by any state agency and the standard for geographic information acquired, purchased, or produced by any state agency.

UCA 63F-1-507 also stipulates that each agency that has geographic information data must allow AGRC access to all public data and requires the Tax Commission to annually submit information on the creation or modification of political subdivisions.

UCA 72-5-304 requires AGRC to create and maintain records of RS-2477 roads, and UCA 72-5-309 directs AGRC to make those records available to the public.

UCA 63F-1-508 creates within AGRC a subcommittee to award grants to counties to inventory and map RS-2477 rights-of-way.

UCA 63F-1-204 requires state agencies to develop Information Technology Strategic Plans. In coordination with the Chief Information Officer, AGRC reviews and consults with agencies on agency IT plans, especially data acquisition efforts.

UCA 63F-1-509 creates a statewide Global Positioning Reference Network to provide more accurate location information. The statute directs AGRC to administer the GPS reference system.

Intent Language

Under Section 63J-1-603 of the Utah Code the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for the Department of Technology Services - Integrated Technology Division - Automated Geographic Reference Center in Item 49 of Chapter 2 Laws of Utah 2010 not lapse at the close of Fiscal Year 2011. The use of any nonlapsing funds is limited to the following: Cadastral Projects - $300,000; Automated Geographic Reference Center Grant Projects - $118,000; Global Positioning System Reference Network Maintenance - $58,000; and broadband mapping projects - $175,000.

Under Section 63J-1-603 of the Utah Code the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for the Department of Technology Services - Integrated Technology Division - Statewide Interoperable Communications in Item 49 of Chapter 2 Laws of Utah 2010 not lapse at the close of Fiscal Year 2011. The use of any nonlapsing funds is limited to the following: Communications Expenses - $51,100.

Performance

Collaboration with Local Government: AGRC works closely with local governments to build, maintain and share geographic data resources. These resources include aerial photography, roads, addresses, parcels, and political subdivision boundaries. During 2011, AGRC has worked with representatives of the Utah Association of Counties to coordinate geographic information between state and local agencies to reduce redundancy and confusion. AGRC serves as a central resource to coordinate how state agencies collect, maintain, and distribute geographic information with local and federal agencies. This avoids multiple requests and variations for the same information such as property parcels, political subdivision boundaries, and roads.

Redistricting and Voter Registrations: AGRC and the State Elections Office are working with county clerks to geographically locate, or geocode, the address of every registered voter in the state. This will provide clerks with an accurate geographic representation of voter precinct assignments for each voter address. This will reduce redundancy, errors, and potential fraud. AGRC has launched a website map the public can use to search the newly established congressional, state Senate and House, and state school board districts. During the 2011 Special Session on redistricting, the Legislature unanimously approved a provision that allows the Lt. Governor, in consultation with AGRC, to make minor adjustments to newly-established boundaries for purposes of clarification of legislative intent. This legislation will enhance the collaboration between state and local elections offices to avoid future errors or confusion of political boundaries.

Mobile Mapping Applications: Many operations in state government have some geographic location associated with it. Mobile technologies - with their native location-aware capabilities - are enhancing the state's ability to leverage geographic information to make informed decisions in agencies that are dependent on workers in the field. In the past year, AGRC has developed several mobile-ready applications in transportation, healthcare, natural resources, and economic development that reduce in-the-field expenses and streamline the flow of information. Examples include wildlife-vehicle collision reporting, health facilities licensing, public health outbreak monitoring, and floodwater monitoring.

Funding Detail

In FY 2006, AGRC became part of the new Department of Technology Services and the Legislature changed the budget structure of the center to receive direct appropriations. The direct appropriation supports the SGID activities and other legislatively defined responsibilities. AGRC receives approximately $700,000 annually from the General Fund. AGRC also generates dedicated credit revenues for developing geospatial applications and data for agencies.

In FY 2008, the Statewide Interoperable Communications project (Omni-Link) was added to the Integrated Technology Line Item. Omni-Link is an interoperability technology that connects public safety dispatch centers across the state of Utah. Traditionally, dispatch centers have operated as stand-alone regional units, unable to transmit or receive on channels not directly controlled by the individual dispatch center. Omni-Link allows all connected dispatch centers to monitor, patch, and even directly control radio channels or talk groups associated with any other connected dispatch center. It is supported with $650,000 annually from the General Fund.