The Electronic Government Fund that finances the government open data initiative and programs like data.gov is getting a bump in allocations from $8 million to $12.4 million in the latest House budget bill for Fiscal Year 2012.
That number could – and probably will – change as budget negotiations continue, but it is a sign of hope for those that feared the E-Gov fund would disappear altogether after getting slashed from $34 million to $8 million in the last budget cycle.
From the bill:
For necessary expenses in support of interagency projects that enable the Federal Government to expand its ability to conduct activities electronically, through the development and implementation of innovative uses of the Internet and other electronic methods, $12,400,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That these funds may be transferred to Federal agencies to carry out the purpose of the Fund: Provided further, That this transfer authority shall be in addition to any other transfer authority provided in this Act: Provided further, That such transfers may not be made until 10 days after a proposed spending plan and explanation for each project to be undertaken has been submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
