Creation of the Gulf Coast Recovery and Rebuilding Council

This executive order establishes the Gulf Coast Recovery and Rebuilding Council within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate federal support for recovery and rebuilding after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Council, chaired by the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and comprising 23 cabinet-level officials and senior advisors, is tasked with reviewing issues, providing guidance, and making recommendations to the President on Gulf Coast recovery efforts. The Council automatically terminates three years after signing unless extended.

Federal Register Open PDF 70 FR 67325

Impact dates

Nov 1, 2008
Council termination unless extended by President

Key directives

Establish Gulf Coast Recovery and Rebuilding Council within EOP
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy to serve as Chairman
Council to promptly review and provide advice on recovery implementation issues
Council to make recommendations to President as appropriate
Council to terminate 3 years from date of order unless extended by President

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Council established within Executive Office of the President
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy designated as Chairman
23 specified members identified

Near term (90d)

Council meetings to be convened and agenda set
Subgroups may be established for particular subject matters
Agencies required to assist and provide information to Council

Long term

Council operations through November 1, 2008 unless extended
Potential sunset of coordination mechanism after 3 years

Risks & tensions

No specific funding or appropriations guaranteed—implementation 'subject to availability of appropriations'
Council has advisory role only; no operational authority over member agencies
Potential coordination friction with existing Coordinator of Federal Support position (unclear hierarchy)
Sunset clause may create planning uncertainty for long-term recovery projects