Now, you can access that database in the palm of your hand using our new National Stolen Art File app. Image source: FBI.gov
Texas Border Business
Claude Monet paintings. Stradivarius violins. Tiffany lamps.
Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and around the world have submitted these to the FBI’s National Stolen Art File (NSAF), a database of stolen pieces of art and culturally significant property. The NSAF assists in law enforcement’s efforts to close cases and return pieces of art and property to their rightful owners.
Now, you can access that database in the palm of your hand using our new National Stolen Art File app.
A Sample of the APP. Courtesy of FBI.gov
“One of the biggest evolutions for NSAF was making it publicly available,” said Colleen Childers of the FBI’s Art Crime Program. “Now, with the new mobile upgrade that we’ve undergone, we want to continue to push to make it a more user-friendly platform.”
While the app was primarily created with law enforcement and art-industry partners in mind, anyone can use it to verify that art or antiquities they own or are looking to buy aren’t actually stolen property.
In the app, you can:
Search and filter stolen art by location, description, type of art, and more.
Display the information most relevant to you.
Save pieces of art to a favorites page and easily access them later.
Share stolen art entries via text, email, or social media.
For Texas, recent performance has been strong. Over the past year (ending in February, which is the latest data available), the state gained 604,800 net new jobs. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Dr. M. Ray Perryman President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group
It goes without saying that there’s a lot going on in the economy these days. The United States (and most of the rest of the world) is dealing with high (though moderating) inflation, rising interest rates, struggling industries and markets, geopolitical tensions, and a host of other uncertainties. Nonetheless, I remain optimistic regarding the potential for growth, although the path will probably not be as smooth as we would hope.
For Texas, recent performance has been strong. Over the past year (ending in February, which is the latest data available), the state gained 604,800 net new jobs. That is an annual employment growth rate of 4.59%, significantly higher than the corresponding US rate of 2.91%. The professional and business services segment is leading the way in terms of the numbers of new jobs, and all major industry groups saw job gains in Texas over the period.
In addition to this momentum, the state continues to attract more corporate locations, expansions, and investments than any other by a huge margin. The ongoing capital commitments and future opportunities are substantial. We are also seeing an influx of people, including many highly skilled professionals. Things are beginning to slow to some extent, but positive expansion is anticipated.
Though the state’s industrial base is far more diverse than in decades past, it helps that oil and natural gas development and production has been on an upswing of record proportions. Uncertainty regarding global economic performance and, thus, demand for fuels is a dampening factor for price levels, but China’s reopening and OPEC’s surprise production cuts are a useful counterweight. It appears as if trading will continue in a profitable range going forward.
Over the next five years, we are projecting that Texas economic output (real gross product) will expand at a 3.49% annual pace, with mining (oil and gas) playing a dominant role. We are also forecasting a gain of about 1.3 million net new jobs through 2027, an increase of 1.83% per year. The largest sources of employment growth are projected to be the professional and business services industry group, as well as health care and social assistance.
Texas obviously cannot fully escape the current challenges. With the state providing $1 of every $6 in US exports, the performance of the international economy can’t help but notably affect overall performance. Similarly, Texas firms and consumers must also face essentially the same inflationary pressures and higher borrowing rates as those in other areas. Despite these risks, Texas is well positioned to deal with what comes and emerge with momentum. The state’s multi-faceted industrial mix and enormous natural resource endowments will help to diffuse the worst of any downturn that may come our way. Stay safe!
________________________________
Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
The Sierra was traveling approximately 80 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour speed zone. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
On March 23, 2023, at approximately 9:26 a.m., a Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office deputy witnessed a 2014 GMC Sierra four door pickup truck traveling northbound on Highway 80 south of Rodeo, New Mexico, at approximately mile marker 1. The Sierra was traveling approximately 80 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour speed zone. The deputy attempted to initiate a vehicle stop at mile marker 2 but the Sierra failed to yield to the deputy’s emergency equipment. The sheriff’s deputy pursued the Sierra for approximately one mile and then deactivated his emergency equipment at mile marker 3, pulled over, and parked on the side of Highway 80 discontinuing his pursuit. The deputy did not have direct radio communication with the U.S. Border Patrol.
A Border Patrol agent who was parked at mile marker 2 spotted the Sierra being pursued by the sheriff’s deputy at approximately 9:28 a.m. The agent followed the sheriff’s deputy and continued the pursuit with his emergency equipment activated when the deputy terminated the pursuit at mile marker 3. The pursuing agent notified a Supervisory Border Patrol agent that the Sierra had failed to yield and was traveling at a high rate of speed. The agent reported there was limited non-involved vehicle traffic in the area. A second agent joined the pursuit after mile marker 4 and took the lead position. The pursuing agent notified the supervisory agent that the Sierra veered into oncoming traffic at approximately 9:38 a.m. The supervisory agent instructed the agents to back off from the Sierra to see if the fleeing driver would slow down. The pursuing agents kept the Sierra in sight while increasing their distance to approximately one-half mile.
Two Border Patrol agents with vehicle immobilization devices were positioned separately ahead of the pursuit, near mile marker 27.5 and 30.5. The agent at mile marker 27.5 requested, and was granted, permission from the supervisory agent to deploy the immobilization device but did not deploy the device due to the presence of a non-involved vehicle in front of the Sierra as it passed. This Border Patrol agent then joined the pursuit following the first two agents, who were approximately a half mile from the Sierra. One of the two agents at mile marker 30.5 radioed he had successfully contacted the left tires of the Sierra with the vehicle immobilization device at 9:44 a.m. These agents recovered the immobilization device and then followed the pursuit to assist once the Sierra came to a stop.
The Sierra continued northbound for approximately two miles at a high rate of speed but slowed down to drive around an RV traveling in the opposite direction which had pulled in front of it to enter the Shady Tree truck stop. The Sierra then accelerated onto the on ramp for Interstate 10 after passing the RV, veered into the opposing lane of traffic and, at 9:45 a.m., collided with a New Mexico Department of Transportation vehicle which was not involved with the pursuit.
The five pursing Border Patrol agents contacted El Paso Sector Communications via radio and requested Emergency Medical Services after arriving at the scene of the collision. Two agents, who were emergency medical technicians, triaged the injured on scene, provided medical care and assisted in extracting both drivers from their respective vehicles. Hidalgo County EMS and Hidalgo County Fire Department arrived at the scene and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator declared the driver of the Sierra, later identified as a United States citizen, deceased. A female citizen of the U.S. and an undocumented migrant, who were passengers of the Sierra, were taken by Hidalgo County EMS to Gila Regional Medical Center where they were treated for injuries and later released. Native Air Ambulance flew two undocumented migrants, who were occupants of the Sierra, to University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, where they were treated for injuries sustained in the collision. The driver of the New Mexico Department of Transportation vehicle was transported by Native Air Ambulance to Banner Main Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz., where he was treated for injuries sustained in the collision.
New Mexico State Police and Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility special agents responded to the scene of the collision.
This incident is under investigation by New Mexico State Police and under review by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified.
Governor Greg Abbott has named Steven Golla, D.V.M. as chair of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Image Source: Linked in. For illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has named Steven Golla, D.V.M. as chair of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The mission of the Board is to establish and enforce policies that ensure the best quality of veterinary and equine dental provider services for the people of Texas.
Steven Golla, D.V.M. of New Braunfels is the medical operations veterinarian at Innovative Pet Care. Previously, he founded and owned Chisholm Trail Veterinary Clinics. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Additionally, he is a former member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the American Association of Theriogenology. Golla is a member and past president of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Golla received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, a Master of Science in Animal Science, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University.
As originally published in Texas Border Business newsprint edition April 2023
By Roberto Hugo González
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg recently met with several Rio Grande Valley mayors in Weslaco at Arturo’s Restaurant. Among those in attendance were Mayor David Suarez of Weslaco, Mayor Ramiro Garza of Edinburg, Mayor Javier Villalobos of McAllen, Mayor Norma Sepulveda of Harlingen, Mayor Norie Garza of Mission, and Mayor Trey Mendez of Brownsville.
Mayor Nirenberg expressed his gratitude to Texas Regional Bank for organizing the event. Nirenberg emphasized the importance of addressing challenges such as generational poverty, lack of access to education and good jobs, affordable housing, and public safety to improve the lives of San Antonio’s residents.
L-R: Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza; Mission Mayor Norie Garza; Weslaco Mayor David Suarez; San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez, Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. This meeting is the beginning of forming a mayor’s alliance to gain a better seat at the commanding table in Texas and the nation. Photos by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
“As the Mayor of San Antonio, I am proud to share that our city consistently ranks among the fastest growing in terms of population. Having moved to Texas when I was three and lived in San Antonio since 1995, I take great pride in our city’s rich cultural heritage and history, which make it such an attractive destination for visitors. I am honored to be a part of our compassionate and collaborative bi-national community as a resident and Mayor,” he said.
In a recent conversation with Texas Border Business, he discussed San Antonio’s focus on overcoming the challenges faced in recent years. “The pandemic has prompted us to concentrate on our city’s economic fundamentals, addressing the historical issue of generational poverty and limited access to education and employment opportunities. Our efforts have been directed toward providing skill training and fostering economic mobility across the city.”
L-R: Representing Texas Regional Bank, Jesse Ozuna, Vice President of Public Affairs Economic Development and Public Finance, and Alex Meade, Executive Vice President of Economic Development and Public Finance, flanking San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
“Affordable housing is another key area of focus for us, as it forms the foundation of our economy. Ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing is a priority. Additionally, public safety is paramount, as it is vital for residents to feel secure in their neighborhoods.”
The significance of Nirenberg’s outreach to Valley mayors lies in the potential for increased collaboration and trade between the two regions. Nirenberg observed that despite the short distance between San Antonio and Austin, San Antonio shares more similarities with the Rio Grande Valley in terms of culture and history.
“Mayor Nirenberg has been a friend for several years, and his visit to South Texas was highly encouraging to those of us who have sought a better relationship with our friends in Central Texas. Hopefully, this is the first of many collaborative visits between the mayors of South Texas. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
I look forward to working through formal agreements and joint advocacy to enhance the region’s interests,” said Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Nirenberg suggested that the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio have not received proper representation in political and economic matters at the state and national levels. He urged a stronger partnership between the regions and proposed a formal alliance to leverage a collective voice.
The alliance aims to establish a unified advocacy presence in Austin and Washington. The partnership will involve exchanging best practices and working on economic collaborations to address shared challenges and opportunities.
The collaboration between the regions will focus on strategically important projects and finding ways to develop and enhance transportation infrastructure along the South Texas corridor. This infrastructure improvement aims to boost trade, connectivity, and economic growth, benefiting San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley.
“Our area mayors are purposely collaborating as a region to better all communities. I’m very excited to include San Antonio in this effort. As Mayor Nirenberg pointed out at Monday’s meeting, San Antonio and the RGV have much in common. I look forward to formalizing our efforts to advocate as One South Texas Region,” said Mission Mayor Norie Garza. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
A May follow-up meeting scheduled for Harlingen will allow the mayors to formalize the alliance and initiate the work on the outlined projects. This collaboration signifies a new era of cooperation between San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, demonstrating the power of working together to achieve mutual goals and improve the lives of their communities.
Since 2017, Nirenberg has held the position of Mayor of San Antonio. He mentioned that he is currently serving his third term and seeking reelection for a fourth term. Nirenberg added that he could not run for a fifth term due to term limits. Despite this, he expressed that serving his community as Mayor has been the greatest honor of his life.
He said the Rio Grande Valley alliance is particularly significant, highlighting their commitment to fostering regional collaboration. “While we already trade with the Rio Grande Valley, we can explore numerous untapped opportunities together,” Mayor Nirenberg said.
Written by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez, the 2009 SBA Journalist of the Year and a 2009 and 2012 Paul Harris Award recipient.
“Fighting violent crime, along with the other threats impacting central and southwest Texas, takes all of us working together—with all our collective strengths, authorities, and expertise,” said Director Wray. Image Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. For illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – On April 6-7, 2023, FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office and Del Rio Resident Agency and met with Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. and other field office personnel. He also met with local law enforcement partners and members of the media to affirm the FBI’s continued commitment to help stem violent crime in the area.
“Fighting violent crime, along with the other threats impacting central and southwest Texas, takes all of us working together—with all our collective strengths, authorities, and expertise,” said Director Wray. “To do that requires constant collaboration, and I’m confident that’s happening here in the San Antonio area across the board, and specifically on our task forces, which are really the backbone of our efforts.”
Director Wray makes regular visits to the FBI’s 56 field offices and legal attachés to meet with employees, get briefed on local issues and crime trends, and to collaborate with partners.
Commissioner Alberto Treviño III addressed the importance of developing a skilled workforce in the Rio Grande Valley at the recent Government Affairs Council meeting at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Images by Noah Magnum Gonzalez
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Josh Mejia, President of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce
Commissioner Alberto Treviño III addressed the importance of developing a skilled workforce in the Rio Grande Valley at the recent Government Affairs Council meeting at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) as the new Commissioner Representing Labor in January 2023 and confirmed by the Texas Senate in March, Treviño has a background in law enforcement and Border Patrol.
Josh Mejia, President of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, opened the meeting and introduced Gerry Garcia, the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs. She was responsible for putting together this important gathering.
Present was Dr. Fred Farias, Chairman of the Government Affairs Council, who introduced Commissioner Treviño.
Gerry Garcia, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs. Courtesy Image
Treviño, who is responsible for representing over 14.6 million workers in Texas, emphasized the value of the labor force in shaping the economy. He expressed his enthusiasm for working with the TWC and its numerous programs and said many of which he was previously unaware of.
Dr. Fred Farias, Chairman of the Government Affairs Council
The commissioner shared his recent experience attending the Texas Science and Engineering Fair, where the innovative ideas of young students inspired him. He recounted his conversation with a sixth grader already planning to attend the University of Texas A&M. Treviño emphasized the importance of investing in young minds to build a strong workforce.
Treviño’s goal is to engage communities across Texas in discussions about better ways to equip workers with the necessary skills to thrive. With the state adding 611,400 jobs since February 2022, he is eager to hear from local businesses and workforce partners on supporting and engaging the talented workforce needed for these new jobs.
The TWC continues to expand services in education, outreach, childcare, apprenticeship, internship, vocational rehabilitation, and services for veterans. In partnership with educational institutions, businesses, and workforce development boards, the TWC prioritizes improving worker skills in healthcare, aerospace, and technology to help workers compete in the job market and provide businesses with trained professionals.
Working together with schools, businesses, and community stakeholders, Treviño believes that creating a well-prepared workforce for the future is possible, driving Texas’s economic growth and development. Born and raised in Harlingen, Treviño is eager to visit all 28 Texas workforce boards by the end of the year to understand their needs and perspectives.
Collaboration and Education: Keys to Strengthening Texas Workforce
As the Government Affairs meeting continued, it was emphasized that collaboration between different sectors is crucial for strengthening the workforce in Texas. With Commissioner Treviño focusing on representing the labor force, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is committed to addressing the state’s growing job market needs.
Collaboration between schools, businesses, and community stakeholders can generate opportunities for innovation and growth. By understanding the unique challenges and strengths of different communities and industries, the TWC can develop tailored approaches to address specific workforce needs.
Education plays a significant role in preparing a highly skilled workforce for higher-wage employment opportunities. By investing in young minds and fostering them, the TWC and its partners can create a pipeline of skilled workers ready to fill in-demand positions.
In summary, fostering strong relationships between various sectors and focusing on education and support services will help Texas build a robust, skilled workforce prepared for the future. As Commissioner Treviño continues to engage with communities and stakeholders across the state, the TWC remains committed to supporting the growth and development of Texas’s workforce and economy.
The gathering concluded with Aaron Demerson, TWC Commissioner Representing Employers expressing his appreciation for everyone participating in the event. He acknowledged the distinct advantage of Texas, which unites the workforce, economic growth, and education. Dr. Farias highlighted the value of engaging with diverse sectors to enhance the community and the state while reasserting the chamber’s dedication to its members.
The Author of Robert’s Story will be a the following locations to sign his work. If you are in the area, please make an effort to stop by and meet him and get your copy signed.
Thursday, June 29, 2023 – 6:30pm
Brazos Bookstore— 2421 Bissonnet Street Houston, TX 77005
Stephen G. Michaud will be in conversation with Dick DeGuerin.
Interabang Books 5600 W Lovers Ln #142 Dallas, TX 75209
We are excited to host Stephen G. Michaud in conversation with Jeff Guinn on Friday, June 30th at 6:00 about his book, Robert’s Story: A Texas Cowboy’s Troubled Life and Horrifying Death.
This article is based on a book; there is no need to make it long because it is more important for you to read the story of this heart-breaking death. It could only be written one way, and Stephen G. Michaud captured complete episodes of Robert’s life until the culmination of his bedridden death and the dispossession of millions of dollars, including his San Antonio Viejo cattle ranch of thousands of acres.
Michaud’s brilliant storytelling seized the essence of the truth. He reminds the world of the brutality of elder abuse, a sad, serious, and still prevalent crime to which Robert was subjected. Michaud, an internationally recognized author, writer, and editor, is the author of Robert’s Story: A Texas Cowboy’s Troubled Life and Horrifying Death.
As soon as you get the book, get ready to learn about a human tragedy that could have easily been avoided. Even though he was surrounded by people, Robert was alone, sick, and fragile. The family outside of the ranch was not permitted to visit with him. Mike East, his nephew, sounded the alarm about the conditions his uncle Robert was in.
The following is the book’s introduction; it’s found on the dust jacket, which gives you more insight into this extraordinary case of elder abuse.
A Saga of Greed and Deceit
Tired, disoriented, and confused, Robert East was no match for the wolves when they arrived.
Robert East loved his older brother, Tom, but always resented Tom’s favored role in the family cattle business based at their San Antonio Viejo Ranch near Hebbronville, Texas, just north of the Rio Grande.
Tom was a figure to be reckoned with, a cattleman with ambitions to supplant their Uncle Bob Kleberg, head of the enormous King Ranch, as the leading cattle raiser in Texas. Robert, by contrast, was a cowboy who cared little for what occurred beyond the San Antonio Viejo’s main gate. Handsome and ornery, with no head for business, he nevertheless chafed in his brother’s shadow until 1984, when Tom died young of a heart attack, just as their father, Tom East Sr., had 40 years earlier.
Suddenly Robert was the new and untested patrón of 250,000 acres of East Family ranchland and the majority owner of the ocean of natural gas pooled beneath East rangeland. It was his turn to issue the orders.
Robert’s contentious nature drove the Easts into bitter intra-family legal hostilities that persisted for a decade. He lost his beloved sister, Lica, to cancer, and as old age advanced, he found himself alone and isolated on a remote ranch with only an unreliable foreman and a scattering of vaqueros and other workers for company.
The physical wear and tear from decades of working cattle on horseback began to show. Robert’s knees gave out, and he developed serious cardiovascular problems. His doctors prescribed pain pills, sedatives, and medications for his chronic depression.
In 2000, drillers hit the most productive gas well in the U.S., if not the world, on East property, making the rich old man suddenly and spectacularly wealthy beyond his comprehension.
Soon enough, the wolves began to circle, and Robert’s grotesque final days were at hand.
A federal grand jury returned the nine-count indictment April 5, which was unsealed today upon his arrest. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Department of Justice
McALLEN, Texas – A 49-year-old Rio Grande City man has been arrested for Travel Act violations, federal programs theft and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Victor Canales was the former county attorney for Starr County. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 9 a.m. Monday, April 10.
A federal grand jury returned the nine-count indictment April 5, which was unsealed today upon his arrest.
According to the indictment, from on or about Jan. 1, 2005, until on or about April 20, 2022, Canales was the elected county attorney. In that role, he had the authority to collect fines and fees and to choose whether or not to prosecute certain offenses, according to the charges.
The indictment also alleges that Starr County had received more than $10,000 in federal benefits each year between 2018-2021. During that time, Canales allegedly embezzled property worth at least $5,000 in each of those years.
Further, Canales knowingly obstructed and affected commerce by extortion by obtaining property not due to him on four separate occasions in 2021, according to the indictment. Canales also allegedly knowingly and willfully used a facility in interstate and foreign commerce to carry on unlawful activity between 2017 and 2021.
Canales is charged with one count of the Travel Act violations which carries a possible sentence of up to five years in federal prison, upon conviction. He also faces a maximum of 10 years on each of four counts of federal programs theft and up to another 20 years on each conviction of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right. All charges also carry a possible $ 250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI worked in partnership with the Texas Office of the Attorney General to conduct the Border Corruption Task Force (BCTF) investigation with the assistance of OCDETF Operation Ice River agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Rangers and Homeland Security Investigations.
The BCTF is comprised of multiple state and federal agencies that serve to disrupt and dismantle corrupt domestic public officials that operate along the southwest border.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Cook Profit is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and Alex Mooney (WV-02) introduced H.R. 2568, the Improvement of Mapping, Addresses, Geography, Elevation and Structures (IMAGES) Act of 2023. Image Source: U.S. House Office of Photography, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons For illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and Alex Mooney (WV-02) introduced H.R. 2568, the Improvement of Mapping, Addresses, Geography, Elevation and Structures (IMAGES) Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation would include property level detail in flood maps, so that individuals as well as governments can know with certainty their risk and proactively prepare for natural disasters.
The IMAGES Act will provide accurate mapping standards within the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which is regulated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“South Texas is no stranger to hurricanes, storms and flooding, making need for flood mapping reform more pressing than ever.” said Congressman Gonzalez. “As hurricane season ramps up, it is imperative that we pass legislation like the IMAGES Act to equip our coastal communities and those historically impacted by flooding, the information to invest in long-term flood prevention. Complete and accurate flood maps are fundamental to protecting residential and commercial property in South Texas and many other at-risk areas across the country.”
“The IMAGES Act contains important mapping reforms that will make flood maps used for the National Flood Insurance Program more accurate. This is a needed improvement to make the program more efficient and effective,” said Congressman Mooney.
“The IMAGES Act will provide critical flood risks assessment which is vitally important to the protection of the public through flood mapping reform accuracies and strengthening the United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Streamflow Information Program. Real-time mapping data feeds between Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and USGS, combined with census data, can provide first responders information for life saving activities during flood emergencies. The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) highly commends Representatives Vicente Gonzalez and Alex Mooney for their leadership on the mapping reforms included in the Act,” said Davey Edwards, PhD, RPLS LSLS CFedS, 2023 president elect of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), Director of Surveying for Baseline | DCCM (a Houston based surveying and mapping company) and professor of surveying at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.
“The provisions of the IMAGES Act will improve the accuracy and accessibility of critical federal datasets that inform flood-hazard mitigation policies. Businesses, private homeowners, governmental planners, and first responders will all benefit from the enhanced data collection and inter-agency coordination that this legislation will enable. The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) endorses passage of the IMAGES Act as an important development of the nation’s technical resources, and NSPS gratefully recognizes Congressmen Alex Mooney and Vicente Gonzalez for their leadership on this pressing issue,” said Kevin Brockett, PS, PLS; West Virginia Director for the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS); Professional Land Surveyor in Morgantown, West Virginia.
“The mapping reforms in the IMAGES Act recognize professional services and technology applications that will improve the quality, accuracy, and utility of FEMA flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs). The initiatives Representatives Gonzalez and Mooney provided in this legislation will provide a positive return on investment, save tax dollars, and improve the program for the benefit of taxpayers and flood insurance ratepayers,” said John Palatiello, Founder of U.S. GEO.
Under the IMAGES Act, the NFIP will continue to reform to create a data set that includes rate maps containing address information and allows for structure and zoning codes to align with flood insurance processing and emergency responses.
The bipartisan IMAGES Act of 2023 would:
· Strengthen the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to provide critical flood risk mapping and assessment;
· Update real-time data feeds utilized by affected agencies;
· Require qualification based selection (QBS) contracting to be utilized for all surveying and mapping services.
