Establishment of a Coordinator of Federal Support for the Recovery and Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast Region

This executive order creates a new Coordinator position within the Department of Homeland Security to oversee and integrate federal recovery efforts for the Gulf Coast region following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Coordinator reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security and serves as the principal point of contact for the President, Congress, state/local governments, and other stakeholders.

Federal Register Open PDF 70 FR 67327

Impact dates

Nov 1, 2008
Order terminates unless extended

Key directives

Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish Coordinator position
Coordinator selected by President and appointed by/reports directly to Secretary
Secretary shall provide personnel, funds, and resources as appropriate
Coordinator shall develop principles and define goals of Federal Response
Coordinator shall lead development and monitor implementation of specific policies and programs
Agency heads shall respond promptly to Coordinator requests and provide requested information
Order terminates 3 years from date of signing (November 1, 2008)

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Position of Coordinator established within DHS
Coordinator becomes principal point of contact for President on federal response

Near term (90d)

Development of principles and goals for Federal Response
Establishment of coordination mechanisms with agencies

Long term

Ongoing monitoring of policy and program implementation
Three-year sunset of order unless extended

Risks & tensions

Unclear appropriation level—implementation explicitly 'subject to the availability of appropriations'
Potential tension: Coordinator has coordination authority but no direct operational control over agencies; relies on 'greatest extent practicable' cooperation
Three-year sunset may create planning uncertainty for long-term rebuilding efforts
No specific metrics or reporting requirements defined for measuring Coordinator effectiveness