Cochran/NAIP Aerial PhotographyFlathead County GIS
800 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone (406) 758-5540
February 12, 2009
To: 911 Board through Fred Lestiko
PO Box 7905
Kalispell, Montana 59901
In regards to: NAIP Aerial photography
Dear 911 Board Members,
The Department of Administration is preparing to enter into a contract this spring with
the Department of Agriculture to update the statewide aerial imagery through the
National Aerial Imagery Program (NAIP). By the time the state can be re -flown and the
imagery processed, the existing imagery will be at least five years old. In terms of
changes to the landscape and development, a lot has happened during those intervening
years.
The DOA has contacted us recently in an attempt to raise some matching funds necessary
for this contract to be actualized. The DOA tells us that "the consortium working on this
program has raised over $400,000 of the approximately $550,000 necessary to match the
Federal investment of $2,340,000. We understand these are extremely tough economic
times. However, the chance to obtain updated statewide color imagery at such a reduced
cost to non -Federal partners does not come along often, and it would be a shame to miss
this opportunity because we cannot raise sufficient matching funds."
As an investor in the aerial photography from 2004, I know you understand that up-to-
date photography helps improve emergency response by allowing us to better delineate
the structures for better address location. Also, the photography that serves as a backdrop
for the 911 mapping software will be updated with the more current product if the
necessary funds can be raised for this program. As such, I am sending this letter on behalf
of the DOA in hopes that the 911 board would consider participating financially in this
program.
Please feel free to contact Robin Trenbeath, State of Montana Geographic Information
Office, (rtrenbeath2c mt.gov) or myself (mcochran2flathead.mt.gov) for further details.
Sincerely,
Mindy Coc
GIS Program Manager