Bill > HR1115

This bill aims to improve weather radar coverage in the United States by developing a comprehensive plan to replace the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system by September 30, 2040. The plan includes developing a prototype digital phased array radar, establishing a weather surveillance radar testbed to evaluate commercial radars and provide technical assistance for small, gap-filling radars, and consulting with meteorologists, emergency managers, and public safety officials about system specifications. The bill also introduces a "Radar-as-a-Service" approach, allowing the National Weather Service to contract with third-party entities to fill radar coverage gaps using diverse weather radars and data technologies, with priority given to entities that have participated in the established testbed. Additionally, the bill permits considering weather camera systems as a supplementary technology to improve radar coverage. The Under Secretary (as defined in the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017) will be responsible for developing the plan and providing periodic updates to congressional committees on the implementation of these radar improvement efforts.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1115/all-info