State, local, and tribal governments use aerial imagery for a variety of uses, including air quality monitoring, assessing property value, disaster recovery, economic development, emergency management, forestry management, law enforcement, long-term planning, near-term planning, public health, public safety, shoreline management, site selection, transportation infrastructure, and utility infrastructure. In Washington, state agencies, local governments, and special purpose districts purchase aerial imagery data independently.
In 2022 legislation was enacted that directed the Department of Commerce to conduct an aerial imagery study to assess the uses and needs from state agencies, local governments, special purpose districts, and tribal governments. The Department of Commerce was also directed to provide recommendations to improve the collection and distribution of aerial imaging data.
The aerial imagery study determined, among other findings, that a high-quality aerial imagery program would be beneficial and yield a positive return on investment. The study recommended a one-year startup phase to plan to control imagery characteristics; hire staff, including a tribal liaison; and begin a vendor selection process. Additionally, the study recommended that the program should include certain imagery to meet the majority of users' needs.
Privacy Threshold Analysis.
A formal privacy threshold analysis (PTA) is the standard method used by state agencies to evaluate privacy concerns. A PTA is a questionnaire used to determine if an information technology system contains personally identifiable information, and whether a privacy impact assessment is required. A PTA includes review of the type of information collected, the individuals involved, the data classification level, and data use and sharing.
The Consolidated Technology Services Agency (CTSA), commonly referred to as WaTech, is directed to establish a state aerial imagery program to provide aerial imagery services to local governments, state agencies, special districts, and tribal governments. The CTSA is directed to implement the program in a phased approach, subject to the availability of funds and in consultation with the Department of Commerce.
During the initial year-long phase of the program, the CTSA must develop a plan to control aerial imagery characteristics, hire staff, select one or more vendors to provide aerial imaging services, and conduct a formal privacy threshold analysis (PTA).
To implement the program, the CTSA must:
Tribal governments must notify the CTSA whether aerial images of tribal land may be accessed by local governments, state agencies, special purpose districts, or other tribal governments.
Aerial images must be collected at least every two years. Aerial image service users, which includes local governments, state agencies, special purpose districts, and tribal governments, must be able to access the aerial images without charge. Users have the option to buy up derived products or enhanced imagery at reduced rates.
The vendor contract must be a minimum of four years and a maximum of six years, allow seasonal collection of aerial images, and provide the CTSA with discretion to use the images in perpetuity.
Aerial images provided by the vendor must include:
The Statewide Imagery Services Account is created in the State Treasury. Funds in the account may only be used for purposes of the state aerial imagery program.
The tribal consultation process is revised to allow tribal governments to opt in to the collection and distribution of aerial images of tribal lands. The Consolidated Technology Services Agency must identify a timeline and process for tribal governments to notify the agency of whether aerial images of tribal land can be accessed by local governments, state agencies, special purpose districts, or other tribal governments.
(In support) A statewide program would allow counties with fewer resources to access aerial images and increase equity amongst counties. The program would increase efficiency and not require taxpayers to be paying twice for the same images. Fiscal and privacy concerns can be addressed. Counties that want to have additional flyovers would not be limited under this program. Program use is not mandatory. It would help all local governments throughout state. The program is supported by county assessors and county officials across the state. State agencies that do not currently have certain aerial images would not have to piece images together by reaching out to different counties.
(Opposed) None.
(Other) WaTech currently provides an aerial imagery service to state agencies and this program would expand service. WaTech can implement the structure but it would cost additional money. There needs to be clarification about how privacy analyses are implemented.
(In support) Representative Cindy Ryu, prime sponsor; Tom Konis, Spokane County; Steven Drew, Washington Association of Assessors; Mike Hoover, Washington State Association of Counties; and Michael Shaw, Washington Association of County Officials.
Eric Pratt.