GIS Day on November 14, 2007

The Connecticut Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Council is hosting an event to celebrate GIS Day on November 14, 2007. This event is held in conjunction with Geography Awareness Week which runs November 11‑17, 2007.

GIS Day provides an international forum for users of GIS technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society. More than 80 countries will participate in local events such as corporate open houses, hands-on workshops, community expos, school assemblies, and more.

If you can find the time, stop by the Legislative Office Building in Hartford between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14 to see what Connecticut’s state agencies, towns/municipalities, and educators are doing with geospatial technology at this year’s GIS program. There will be many demonstrations to spark your interest, including the use of Mashups (web applications that combine online maps with website information), or you can visit the Connecticut Civil Support Team’s Mobile GIS Unit which will be there on display. There will be knowledge to be gained by everyone, whether you are new to GIS or a seasoned professional.

So come on by and take part in Connecticut’s GIS event on Wednesday, November 14th. For additional information visit http://www.ct.gov/gis/

GIS resources for teachers may be found at the ESRI site where you will find a free version of ESRI's ARCView software. Of course let's not forget GoogleEarth...it's a free download.

New Issue of iCONN Times Just Released!

$2,000,000 for each of the next two years for infrastructure wiring

General Assembly Bill No. 1502

390 Sec. 13. (Effective from passage)…
828 (j) For the Department of Education:
829 (1) Grants-in-aid to municipalities, regional school districts and regional education service centers for the costs of wiring school buildings, not exceeding $2,000,000;

1254 Sec. 32. (Effective July 1, 2008)...
1367 (h) For the Department of Education:
1368 (1) Grants-in-aid to municipalities, regional school districts and regional education service centers for the costs of wiring school buildings, not exceeding $2,000,000;

Bond Package Update

A bond package has finally been approved. The state Bond Commission will once again begin their regularly scheduled meetings.

Please remember that the Governor..."still holds sole authority to place an item on the 10-member State Bond Commission's agenda, and the commission still must approve any project mentioned in Tuesday's legislation." (Hartford Courant, October 31, 2007)

The Bond Commission's next scheduled meeting is December 7, 2007. As soon as we are alerted that the infrastructure money has been placed on the agenda, I'll post a notice.