104TH CONGRESS, 1ST Session SENATE REPORT 104-160

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION ON S. 1004

Section 308. - Report on LORAN-C requirements

The United States has always operated radionavigation systems, which includes the LORAN-C system, as a necessary element to enable safe transportation and encourage commerce. Importantly, the need to provide cost-effective services to meet civil requirements is an important goal outlined in policies covered in the Federal Radionavigation Plan. In recent years there has been heightened interest in satellite technology and consideration is being given to the phase out of various existing radionavigation systems.

The Committee has heard from every segment of the LORAN-C user community, including marine, aviation, surface transportation, and telecommunications users, in conjunction with consideration of the Coast Guard authorization legislation. There is a strong consensus, even among users that are proponents of satellite technology, that it makes sense to continue support and funding for LORAN-C well into the next century consistent with long-standing objectives for system safety and efficiency. The LORAN-C system, which is very compatible with satellite technology, is established, operationally proven, reliable, and cost-effective. Moreover, there are currently more than 1.3 million users of the technology, and system infrastructure operations and maintenance costs total about $17 million annually. In view of the positive benefits versus costs associated with LORAN-C and the substantial enhancement it provides to user safety, the federal government and radionavigation systems users are well-served by taking full advantage of the compatibility of LORAN-C and satellite technology. As a result, section 308 would require DOT, in consultation with users, to provide a plan defining the future use of and funding for operations, maintenance, and upgrades for the LORAN-C system. The reported bill requires DOT to provide its plan within six months of enactment and it should include recommendations and suggested actions to assure that the federal government and users can continue to get the maximum benefit from investment in LORAN-C and its infrastructure well into the next century.