Congress extends coastal data program, mandates free access to infrastructure maps
H.R. 4256 — Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025 · Filed by Dave Min (D-CA) · 13 cosponsors · Introduced Jun 30, 2025 · Reported out
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What it does
This bill extends the Digital Coast Act's authorization from 2025 to 2030, and adds two requirements: coastal data must be made 'fully and freely available' (not just accessible), and the program must now collect data on underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities. The bill benefits coastal communities, researchers, and planners by ensuring longer-term funding and more comprehensive geospatial data.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole function is to extend an existing coastal geospatial data program, strengthen public access guarantees, and expand data scope to include subsurface utilities. It is a routine reauthorization with modest scope enhancements.
What the text implies
- Requirement for 'fully and freely available' data may impose new compliance or distribution costs on the administering agency, potentially affecting budget allocation within the program.
- Underground infrastructure and subsurface utility data collection may require new partnerships with utilities and municipalities, expanding the program's operational scope and coordination burden.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Citizens and coastal communities gain extended access to publicly funded geospatial data, with stronger guarantees of free availability and expanded coverage of underground utilities—information valuable for emergency response, infrastructure planning, and environmental management. No offsetting costs to the public are apparent.