AZGS Senior Geologist Jon Spencer was notified today that our Statemap proposal to the USGS was approved for $189,853 in funding, beginning in Sept. There was intense competition for funding this year and we did not get as much as we requested, so Jon will modify our work plan to conform to the funds we'll receive. AZGS will match the federal money, one-to-one.
We proposed 1:24,000 quadrangle maps in three areas: Artillery Mountains in western Arizona, Prescott, and Stafford. The areas were selected and prioritized by our State Mapping Advisory Committee, composed of map-user representatives from state and federal agencies and industry.
The USGS peer review panel's comments on the proposal were positive :
- Overall the proposal was very well written with well-defined priorities.
- Excellent Advisory Committee letter and well balanced membership.
- Panel appreciated the “Analysis of AZGS mapping costs for STATEMAP maps.”
- Proposal included excellent map and was well illustrated.
The Statemap component is slated to be preferentially cut in the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program FY12 budget. We have contacted the AZ congressional delegation asking for their support of the program.