General DNR News

Y2K Readiness Achieved at DNR

Year 2000 computer operations at the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are ready, featuring a nationally-recognized system known asSONRIS/2000. DNR officials foresee no problems in operations or public services once 1999 turns 2000 bringing in the new year.

As one of the first state departments to become Year 2000 compliant, DNR announced its readiness in June of this year, addressing the Year 2000 date change and fulfilling Governor Foster’s Executive Order MJF 98-04 and Executive Order 96-50.

SONRIS/2000 or Strategic Online Natural Resources Information System replaced a 25-year-old mainframe system. This new system has enhanced public access to DNR information and records and is built around Y2K-compliant components that include servers, local and wide area networks, and database software.

Major features of the system provide citizens, DNR clients, and business/industry the ability to access information on coastal restoration projects, research state mineral records, retrieve oil and gas data, locate geographic wells from across the state, find Conservation’s weekly scout report, and obtain energy data.

Y2K Transition Plan

DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell has issued a department policy regarding Y2K transition. The policy names DNR personnel responsible for external and internal communications should emergency situations arise when the department’s computers roll over to 2000. These key personnel are scheduled to coordinate with the state Office of Emergency Preparedness and are on-call during the transition dates established by Governor Foster from December 28, 1999 to January 3, 2000.

DNR Undersecretary Robert Harper began the department’s Y2K preparedness almost a decade ago. Harper and Information Systems Director Rizwan Ahmed have carefully devised both the transition and contingency plans for DNR.

Y2K Contingency Plan

DNR officials expect business as usual during the transition. Meanwhile, a contingency document that addresses defensive measures in the event of Y2K problems has been created. The department’s primary business function — processing royalty payments — is specifically noted in the plan. IS and Office of Mineral Resources staff that execute this function are confident in the system and the timely and orderly processing of funds at the start of the year.

DNR’s Public Information Office may be contacted in reference to any questions or concerns associated with the agency’s Y2K readiness. Contact by phone 225-342-8955 or via fax 225-342-3442. Internet site at www.dnr.state.la.us