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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Environment (DOE)

No Response

State Highway and Transportation Department (SHTD)

Department of Public Safety (DPS)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 607 appropriates $700.0 to the Department of Environment to fund a survey of hazardous materials sites with "multi-spectral pulsed differential absorption mid-infrared laser mapping technology," or environmental laser mapping (ELM).

Significant Issues

Senate Bill 607 appropriates $700.0 to Department of Environment to fund ELM surveys at certain hazardous materials sites. These surveys would be conducted in conjunction with the State Highway and Transportation Department and the Department of Public Safety. The technology to be used is specified in the bill and supposedly can detect certain hazardous materials or containers, and map and integrate data.

Differential absorption LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology is specifically used by LaSen, Inc. a Las Cruces based company. The United States Congress appropriated $600.0 to support the kind of airborne ELM technology advanced by LaSen. LaSen proposes to use this technology to detect pipeline leaks and emissions by analyzing levels of chemicals escaping pipeline systems. LaSen claims their technology can detect the leak and the composition of the chemical being leaked.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The general fund appropriation of $700.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the Department of Environment. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Department of Environment would have to issue a Request for Proposal to procure the services of a firm or firms to conduct the ELM surveys. The Department of Environment estimates up to 15 percent, or $105.0, of the total contract cost is anticipated to administer the contract.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

Is the specific technology that is mentioned in the bill a pilot project, or an application of proven technology?

EB/sb:ar