January 2000
Contact: Tim Smith, Legislative Liaison (360) 902-2223

Situation

Improvements to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's information systems are a key element in an ongoing departmental effort to modernize and integrate business systems, as recommended by a legislatively- directed review of WDFW business practices. A business consultant hired by the Department recently completed an information systems strategic plan outlining computer system improvements necessary to maintain the Department's ability to collect, analyze and present critical financial and fish and wildlife resource data, and to maintain efficient and reliable communication. Improvements to information systems technology and staffing were begun under the Fiscal Year 1999 supplemental budget and current biennium operating budget.

Problem

The Department's computer system infrastructure needs to be upgraded in order to support new business applications identified by the Department and outside consultants. A computer network upgrade, begun in the past fiscal year, still requires completion of work station cabling in the Natural Resources Building and replacement of inadequate file servers in regional offices. About 250 personal computers used by WDFW employees are obsolete. Business technology consultants have identified a need for improved technical support for individual computer users, particularly in regional and remote locations, as well as a need for additional staff to manage major, on-going computer projects and to set and enforce agency-wide standards for data administration and computer applications.

Proposal

Gov. Gary Locke has endorsed a WDFW request for $580,000 to carry out further improvements to information systems. The proposal would provide funding to finish upgrading WDFW's computer network and replace 80 of 250 obsolete personal computers. The proposals includes five new FTEs -- three to provide improved desktop support and training to WDFW employees; one to manage major new computer projects and one to set agency-wide standards for computer applications and data management.

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