Description:
S. 381 would amend several ocean mapping and exploration programs administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill would authorize the appropriation of specific amounts for those programs over the 2021-2026 period. Because specific amounts are already authorized or appropriated under current law, CBO’s estimate of the budgetary effects is based on the difference between the amounts in the bill and those specified in the law. In total, the bill would authorize the appropriation, on net, of $1.4 billion for the following programs: $317 million for the Ocean Exploration and Research program, $268 million for the Ocean and Coastal Mapping program, and $813 million for multiple programs related to hydrographic surveying (the measurement and description of features that affect maritime navigation). In 2021, NOAA allocated $77 million for similar purposes. Using historical spending patterns for similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing S. 381 would cost about $1.1 billion over the 2021-2026 period and about $300 million after 2026, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.
