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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1863 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1863

To establish the Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Agency, 
                        and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

              October 7 (legislative day, October 6), 2005

Mr. Gregg (for himself and Mr. Kennedy) introduced the following bill; 
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security 
                        and Governmental Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
To establish the Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Agency, 
                        and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster 
Preparedness Act of 2005''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given 
        under section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code.
            (2) Authority.--The term ``Authority'' means the Gulf Coast 
        Revitalization Authority.
            (3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of 
        Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness.
            (4) Gulf coast agency.--The term ``Gulf Coast Agency'' 
        means the Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Agency.
            (5) Gulf coast recovery and disaster preparedness 
        program.--The term ``Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster 
        Preparedness Program'' means all activities described under 
        section 3(b)(3) (B) and (C).

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established the Gulf Coast Recovery 
and Disaster Preparedness Agency. The Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster 
Preparedness Agency is an independent establishment as defined under 
section 104 of title 5, United States Code.
    (b) Director.--
            (1) Appointment.--
                    (A) In general.--The Director of Gulf Coast 
                Recovery and Disaster Preparedness shall be the head of 
                the Gulf Coast Agency. The Director shall be appointed 
                by the President, by and with the advice and consent of 
                the Senate.
                    (B) Executive schedule level i position.--The 
                Director shall be paid at the rate of pay payable for a 
                position at level I of the Executive Schedule under 
                section 5312 of title 5, United States Code.
                    (C) Direct report to president.--The Director shall 
                directly report to the President.
            (2) Qualifications.--The individual appointed as Director 
        shall be appointed on the basis of--
                    (A) demonstrated leadership, integrity, and 
                experience; and
                    (B) demonstrated experience in management of large 
                organizations.
            (3) Functions.--The Director shall--
                    (A) be responsible for the efficient and effective 
                use of Federal resources relating to the recovery from 
                Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita;
                    (B) exercise planning, management, and overall 
                control of all Federal funding, personnel, and assets 
                used by Federal, State, or local government authorities 
                for the purposes of--
                            (i) rebuilding or responding to the damage 
                        or destruction of private or public 
                        infrastructure caused by Hurricane Katrina and 
                        Hurricane Rita to the United States;
                            (ii) responding, supporting, or otherwise 
                        assisting efforts to meet the nutritional, 
                        health, educational, housing, transportation, 
                        employment, law enforcement, and social service 
                        needs of citizens who have been personally 
                        displaced or otherwise adversely and directly 
                        impacted by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane 
                        Rita;
                            (iii) studying, planning, and preparing 
                        public and private responses to future natural 
                        disasters in the region;
                            (iv) planning, building, and repairing 
                        public infrastructure to prevent or mitigate 
                        the impact of future natural disasters in the 
                        region, including the levee system surrounding 
                        the City of New Orleans, Louisiana;
                            (v) studying, planning, and implementing 
                        environmental remediation and coastal 
                        restoration efforts in the region;
                            (vi) studying, planning, and implementing 
                        economic redevelopment efforts in areas 
                        affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane 
                        Rita;
                            (vii) ensuring the efficient and effective 
                        use of Federal funds in all activities relating 
                        to the recovery from Hurricane Katrina and 
                        Hurricane Rita; and
                            (viii) any other recovery, rebuilding, or 
                        redevelopment effort relating to the direct 
                        impact of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita; 
                        and
                    (C) expend and obligate funds appropriated to the 
                Gulf Coast Agency for purposes described under 
                subparagraph (B), including specific reconstruction 
                projects.
            (4) Budget authorities relating to the gulf coast recovery 
        and disaster preparedness program.--
                    (A) Budget.--With respect to budget requests and 
                appropriations for the Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster 
                Preparedness Program, the Director shall--
                            (i) based on priorities set by the 
                        President, provide to agencies performing 
                        activities of the Program, guidance for 
                        developing the Program budget pertaining to 
                        such agencies;
                            (ii) develop and determine an annual 
                        consolidated Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster 
                        Preparedness Program budget; and
                            (iii) present such consolidated budget, 
                        together with any comments from the heads of 
                        agencies, to the President for approval.
                    (B) Appropriations.--
                            (i) In general.--The Director shall be 
                        responsible for managing appropriations for the 
                        Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness 
                        Program by directing the allotment or 
                        allocation of such appropriations through the 
                        heads of the agencies performing activities of 
                        the Program, with prior notice (including the 
                        provision of appropriate supporting 
                        information) to the head of the agency 
                        receiving any such allocation or allotment.
                            (ii) Allocations.--Notwithstanding any 
                        other provision of law, pursuant to relevant 
                        appropriations Acts for the Gulf Coast Recovery 
                        and Disaster Preparedness Program, the Director 
                        of the Office of Management and Budget shall 
                        exercise the authority of the Director of the 
                        Office of Management and Budget to apportion 
                        funds, at the exclusive direction of the 
                        Director of Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster 
                        Preparedness, for allocation to agencies 
                        performing activities of the Gulf Coast 
                        Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Program. 
                        Department comptrollers or appropriate budget 
                        execution officers shall allot, allocate, 
                        reprogram, or transfer funds appropriated for 
                        the Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster 
                        Preparedness Program in an expeditious manner.
                            (iii) Monitoring implementation.--The 
                        Director shall monitor the implementation and 
                        execution of the Gulf Coast Recovery and 
                        Disaster Preparedness Program by the heads of 
                        relevant agencies.
                            (iv) Apportionment and allotment.--
                        Apportionment and allotment of funds under this 
                        paragraph shall be subject to chapter 13 and 
                        section 1517 of title 31, United States Code, 
                        and the Congressional Budget and Impoundment 
                        Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 621 et seq.).
    (c) Officers To Assist the Director.--
            (1) In general.--The Office shall have other officers 
        necessary to assist the Director in carrying out the functions 
        of the Director, including--
                    (A) overseeing recovery operations and disaster 
                preparedness;
                    (B) expending and obligating Federal funds 
                appropriated to the Gulf Coast Agency for the Gulf 
                Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Program, 
                including specific reconstruction projects;
                    (C) ensuring that Federal funds are prudently spent 
                and fully audited; and
                    (D) investigating waste, fraud, and abuse in the 
                use of Federal funds for the activities of the Gulf 
                Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Program.
            (2) Deputy directors.--The Director may appoint no more 
        than 5 Deputy Directors who shall be assigned to geographic 
        areas of the Gulf Coast region.
    (d) Location of the Office of the Director.--The Office of the 
Director shall be physically located within the region comprising the 
gulf coast areas of the States of Louisiana and Mississippi. The 
Director may establish additional office locations as necessary.

SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATIVE AND PERSONNEL PROVISIONS.

    (a) Employees.--The Director may select, appoint, and employ such 
officers and employees as may be necessary--
            (1) in accordance with the provisions of title 5, United 
        States Code, including section 3101 of that title; and
            (2) without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of 
        chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to 
        classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, 
        except the pay of any personnel under this paragraph may not 
        exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule 
        under section 5316 of that title.
    (b) Consultants and Contracts.--The Director may--
            (1) obtain services as authorized by section 3109 of title 
        5, United States Code, at daily rates not to exceed the 
        equivalent rate prescribed for grade GS-15 of the General 
        Schedule by section 5332 of title 5, United States Code; and
            (2) to the extent and in such amounts as may be provided in 
        advance by appropriations Acts, to enter into contracts and 
        other arrangements and to make such payments as may be 
        necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. SUPPORT FOR WORKERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA AND HURRICANE 
              RITA.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Executive agency.--The term ``executive agency'' has 
        the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Office of 
        Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403).
            (2) Workers affected by hurricane katrina and hurricane 
        rita.--The term ``workers affected by Hurricane Katrina and 
        Hurricane Rita'' means workers who were residing in the area 
        directly impacted by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita as of 
        the date those hurricanes occurred.
    (b) Employment Requirement.--
            (1) Contracts.--Except as provided in subsection (c), the 
        Director or the head of an executive agency may not enter into 
        a contract to procure disaster recovery services in connection 
        with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita reconstruction 
        efforts unless such contract requires that workers affected by 
        Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita--
                    (A) comprise not less than 30 percent of the 
                workforce employed by the contractor to perform such 
                services; and
                    (B) comprise not less than 30 percent of the 
                workforce employed by each subcontractor at each tier 
                in connection with such contract.
            (2) Grants.--Except as provided in subsection (c), the head 
        of an executive agency may not award a grant of Federal funds 
        to any recipient, for the purpose of providing disaster 
        recovery services in connection with Hurricane Katrina and 
        Hurricane Rita reconstruction efforts unless the terms of the 
        grant require that such workers affected by Hurricane Katrina 
        and Hurricane Rita--
                    (A) comprise not less than 30 percent of the 
                workforce employed by that recipient to perform such 
                services; and
                    (B) comprise not less than 30 percent of the 
                workforce employed by any indirect recipient of such 
                grant funds to perform such services.
            (3) Exception for professional services.--The requirements 
        under paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply to the procurement of 
        professional services.
    (c) Exemptions for Exceptional Circumstances.--
            (1) Authority.--The Director or the head of an executive 
        agency may enter into a contract or award a grant that would 
        otherwise be prohibited under subsection (b) due to the 
        employment by an employer of a workforce that does not meet the 
        workforce composition requirement under such subsection if the 
        employer qualifies for and receives an exemption under 
        paragraph (2).
            (2) Procedures for granting exemptions.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the 
                date of the appointment of the Director, the Director 
                shall establish procedures for providing exemptions for 
                employers who despite making reasonable efforts to do 
                so, are unable to comply with the workforce composition 
                requirement under subsection (b) due to an emergency, 
                or due to the lack of available and appropriately 
                qualified workers who have been affected by Hurricane 
                Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
                    (B) Exemptions before procedures established.--
                During the 45-day period referred to under subparagraph 
                (A), the Director may exempt an employer as the 
                Director determines necessary.
    (d) Reports Required.--
            (1) In general.--In the each report submitted under section 
        6, the Director shall include a report of the hiring of workers 
        affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
            (2) Content.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
        shall include, with respect to the preceding fiscal quarter, 
        information on--
                    (A) the total number of workers affected by 
                Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita hired by 
                contractors, subcontractors, or employers that provided 
                disaster recovery services in connection with Hurricane 
                Katrina and Hurricane Rita reconstruction efforts;
                    (B) the total number of individuals hired by 
                contractors, subcontractors, or employers that provided 
                disaster recovery services in connection with Hurricane 
                Katrina and Hurricane Rita reconstruction efforts; and
                    (C)(i) whether the Director or head of the 
                executive agency provided any exemptions under 
                subsection (a)(2);
                    (ii) the total number of contractors, 
                subcontractors, and employers provided such exemptions 
                in each State, and the percentage they represent of all 
                contractors, subcontractors, and employers providing 
                services; and
                    (iii) the total number of workers employed under 
                contracts or grants for which an exemption was granted 
                and the percentage of such workers who were workers 
                affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
            (3) Source of information.--For purposes of preparing a 
        report required under paragraph (1), the Director or the head 
        of an executive agency shall require employers providing 
        disaster recovery services in connection with Hurricane Katrina 
        and Hurricane Rita reconstruction efforts to provide to the 
        agency, under penalty of perjury, information relevant to such 
        reports.

SEC. 6. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.

    (a) In General.--Every 3 months, for each calendar quarter, the 
Director shall submit a report to Congress on the progress of the Gulf 
Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Program, including--
            (1) any findings regarding fraud, waste, and abuse of 
        Federal funds, personnel, and assets; and
            (2) the status of progress toward the rebuilding of the 
        Gulf Coast region during the 3-month period preceding the date 
        of submission of the report.
    (b) First Report.--The first report under this section shall be 
submitted for the first full calendar quarter for which a Director has 
been appointed.

SEC. 7. GULF COAST REVITALIZATION AUTHORITY.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established, within the Gulf Coast 
Agency, the Gulf Coast Revitalization Authority. The Authority shall 
have responsibility for the development of a comprehensive plan for 
rebuilding and improving the public infrastructure of the Gulf Coast 
region affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Authority is to develop a plan 
with substantial local participation to--
            (1) rebuild and improve the public infrastructure of the 
        Gulf Coast region affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane 
        Rita;
            (2) determine how best to use available Federal resources; 
        and
            (3) coordinate State and local government and private 
        sector initiatives with the Federal effort.
    (c) Composition of the Authority.--The Authority shall consist of 
19 members including--
            (1) the Director, who shall serve as Chairperson of the 
        Authority;
            (2) the Governor of Louisiana;
            (3) the Governor of Mississippi;
            (4) the Governor of Alabama;
            (5) the Governor of Texas;
            (6) the Mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana;
            (7) 3 members appointed by the President;
            (8) 3 residents of communities within the area affected by 
        Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita appointed by the Governor 
        of Louisiana--
                    (A) of whom 1 shall be a local elected official;
                    (B) of whom 1 shall be from a nonprofit 
                organization; and
                    (C) of whom 1 shall be a leader in the private 
                sector;
            (9) 3 residents of the communities within the area affected 
        by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita appointed by the 
        Governor of Mississippi--
                    (A) of whom 1 shall be a local elected official;
                    (B) of whom 1 shall be from a nonprofit 
                organization; and
                    (C) of whom 1 shall be a leader in the private 
                sector;
            (10) 1 resident of a community within the area affected by 
        Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita appointed by the Governor 
        of Alabama;
            (11) 1 resident of a community within the area affected by 
        Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita appointed by the Governor 
        of Texas; and
            (12) 2 residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, appointed by 
        the Mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana.
    (d) Representatives.--
            (1) In general.--Each member of the Authority described 
        under subsection (c) (2) through (6) may designate a 
        representative to attend any meeting of the Authority in the 
        absence of that member.
            (2) Quorum and voting.--A representative designated under 
        this subsection--
                    (A) shall count for purposes of a quorum; and
                    (B) may vote on any matter of the Authority.
    (e) Appointments; Vacancies; Quorum.--
            (1) Appointments.--All members of the Authority shall be 
        appointed within 14 days after the date of enactment of this 
        Act.
            (2) Period of appointment; vacancies.--Members shall be 
        appointed for the life of the Authority. Any vacancy in the 
        Authority shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in 
        the same manner as the original appointment.
            (3) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Authority 
        shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may 
        hold hearings.
    (f) Personnel Matters for Authority Members.--
            (1) Compensation of members.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided under 
                subparagraph (B), each member of the Authority 
                described under subsection (c)(7) through (12) shall be 
                compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of 
                the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of 
                the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, 
                United States Code, for each day (including travel 
                time) during which such member is engaged in the 
                performance of the duties of the Authority.
                    (B) Federal officers and employees.--All members of 
                the Authority who are officers or employees of the 
                United States shall serve without compensation in 
                addition to that received for their services as 
                officers or employees of the United States.
            (2) Travel expenses.--The members of the Authority 
        described under subsection (c) (7) through (12) shall be 
        allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
        subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies 
        under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
        Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business 
        in the performance of services for the Authority.
    (g) Preparation of a Comprehensive Plan.--
            (1) Preliminary plan.--Not later than 134 days after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, the Authority shall approve a 
        preliminary plan for rebuilding and improving the public 
        infrastructure of the Gulf Coast region.
            (2) Comprehensive plan.--Not later than 194 days after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, the Authority shall approve a 
        comprehensive plan for rebuilding and improving the public 
        infrastructure of the Gulf Coast region.
            (3) Extension.--For good cause shown, the Authority by 
        majority vote may extend the time period for adoption of the 
        comprehensive plan by not more than 60 days.
    (h) Authority of Director Before Plans.--Nothing in this section 
shall be construed to limit the authority of the Director to approve 
priority projects and initiate programs which the Director determines 
are needed before the adoption of the preliminary and comprehensive 
plans.
    (i) Approval of Plans.--Adoption of the plans shall require 
approval of a majority of the members of the Authority and approval by 
the Director. After each of the plans has been adopted, individual 
projects authorized by the Gulf Coast Agency shall be consistent with 
that plan.
    (j) Governors Approval.--Nothing in this section shall affect the 
authority of a Governor to approve individual projects within the State 
of that Governor to the extent that the approval of the Governor is 
required by law.
    (k) Implementation Modifications.--
            (1) In general.--After the adoption of the comprehensive 
        plan, the Authority--
                    (A) shall monitor implementation;
                    (B) develop more detailed advisory proposals 
                consistent with the comprehensive plan; and
                    (C) consider and adopt such modifications to the 
                comprehensive plan as may become necessary and 
                appropriate.
            (2) Modifications.--Modifications to the comprehensive plan 
        shall be adopted in the same manner as the plan.
    (l) Considerations.--In developing the plan, the Authority shall 
consider--
            (1) the impact of public infrastructure on minimizing the 
        impact of future hurricanes;
            (2) the impact of public infrastructure on--
                    (A) improving the opportunities for economic 
                development in the region; and
                    (B) enhancing public services available to 
                residents;
            (3) the preservation of the unique historical and cultural 
        character of communities, maintaining traditional styles of 
        architecture, neighborhood design, and community facilities 
        wherever possible; and
            (4) procedures to ensure that rebuilding and redevelopment 
        is carried out in an efficient and cost-effective manner, 
        including efforts to promote the involvement of the private 
        sector and nonprofit organizations.
    (m) Opportunity for Public Comment.--The Authority shall conduct 
public hearings in each of the affected States and shall endeavor to 
provide substantial opportunity for public input, including opportunity 
for public comment on the preliminary plan before the comprehensive 
plan is adopted.
    (n) Authority Personnel.--
            (1) In general.--To develop the comprehensive plan the 
        Authority shall select and supervise consultants and employees 
        as provided under paragraphs (2) and (3) who shall include 
        planners, architects, engineers, and experts on information 
        technology, the environment, and economic development.
            (2) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services.--
        After consultation with the Authority, the Director shall 
        procure temporary and intermittent services under section 
        3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, of the individuals 
        selected by the Authority under paragraph (1) of this 
        subsection. The rate of pay for any such individual may not 
        exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay 
        prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 
        5316 of title 5, United States Code.
            (3) Employees.--After consultation with the Authority, the 
        Director shall employ individuals selected by the Authority 
        under paragraph (1).
            (4) Assistance.--To the extent practicable, the consultants 
        and employees under this subsection shall provide local 
        officials with technical assistance and consultation on local 
        efforts.
    (o) Detailees.--Any Federal employee may be detailed to the 
Authority with reimbursement, and such detail shall be without 
interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. Federal 
agencies shall provide detailees to the Authority at the request of the 
Authority to the extent feasible.
    (p) Use of Federal Agency Expertise.--The Authority shall consult 
with the heads of agencies, and other Federal officials as necessary in 
the preparation of the comprehensive plan, and the heads of those 
agencies shall consult with the Authority as requested. Federal 
agencies shall provide expertise to the Authority to the extent 
feasible.
    (q) Areas Addressed by Comprehensive Plan.--The comprehensive plan 
shall address the following areas of redevelopment:
            (1) Water Management:
                    (A) Design improvements and placement of water 
                control facilities (including drainage channels, 
                pumping facilities, levees and barriers).
                    (B) Design improvements and repair of water 
                treatment and delivery systems and sewage collection 
                and treatment facilities.
            (2) Environmental Restoration:
                    (A) A long-term coastal restoration plan, including 
                the restoration of coastal wetlands and barrier islands 
                that are natural flood control systems to prevent 
                erosion and flood damages.
                    (B) Land and water resource conservation.
            (3) Transportation:
                    (A) Priorities and criteria for demolishing and 
                rebuilding damaged bridges, roads and highways.
                    (B) Identification of appropriate placement of 
                bridges, roads, and highways that takes into 
                consideration daily traffic flow as well as future 
                evacuation requirements and susceptibility to hurricane 
                damage.
                    (C) Adequate public transportation facilities 
                connected to regional transportation networks that 
                takes into consideration daily transportation needs of 
                residents and evacuation requirements for residents 
                without personal vehicles.
                    (D) Airport reconstruction including runway 
                layouts, and connections to public transit, roads and 
                highways.
                    (E) Priorities and criteria for rebuilding freight 
                rail and freight terminals.
            (4) Ports:
                    (A) Design standards for rebuilding port 
                facilities.
                    (B) A plan for working with private entities to 
                rebuild port facilities including berths, storage 
                facilities, navigation channels, and docks.
                    (C) Identification of the need for improved 
                security technologies available for port security 
                screening.
            (5) Housing:
                    (A) Criteria for demolition of damaged housing, 
                restoration of housing where advisable, and development 
                of newly built housing.
                    (B) Design improvement standards for housing that 
                can minimize damage from a future hurricane.
                    (C) A plan for working with private entities and 
                nonprofit organizations to facilitate rebuilding an 
                adequate supply of housing that is affordable to 
                residents of all incomes displaced by Hurricane Katrina 
                and Hurricane Rita.
            (6) Schools:
                    (A) Priorities and criteria for rebuilding schools 
                where advisable and construction of replacement schools 
                where necessary.
                    (B) Design improvement standards for schools that 
                need to be rebuilt that include, where advisable and 
                cost effective, state of the art information technology 
                infrastructure.
            (7) Hospitals and Other Public Health Care Facilities:
                    (A) Design improvement standards for hospitals that 
                will be rebuilt that includes state of the art 
                information technology infrastructure.
                    (B) Design standards for health care facilities to 
                withstand and continue operation during a future 
                hurricane.
            (8) Utility Infrastructure: A plan for working with private 
        entities that serve the public to ensure utility coverage of 
        redeveloped areas with telecommunication services, including 
        broadband access, and energy and electricity generation and 
        distribution.
            (9) Employment and Training:
                    (A) A plan for the training of residents of the 
                affected communities in job skills that will be 
                required in the region.
                    (B) Priority for jobs for residents of the affected 
                communities created by reconstruction programs funded 
                by the Gulf Coast Agency to the extent practicable.
            (10) Other Public Facilities:
                    (A) A plan for the rebuilding of public buildings 
                and facilities, and for buildings and facilities of 
                nonprofit organizations that serve a public function 
                open to all residents within communities.
                    (B) A plan for the rebuilding of museums and other 
                facilities operated by nonprofit organizations that are 
                used to preserve and promote the historic, cultural, 
                musical and artistic traditions of the affected areas.
    (r) Expediting the Rebuilding Process.--The Authority shall--
            (1) consider whether it is necessary to waive or modify any 
        Federal, State, or local law relating to the environment, land 
        use, or the permitting of construction projects in order to 
        expedite reconstruction within the Gulf Coast region; and
            (2) make appropriate recommendations in the comprehensive 
        plan relating to the waiver or modification of such laws.
    (s) Planning Principles.--In developing and implementing the 
comprehensive plan, the Authority and the Gulf Coast Agency shall take 
into consideration the following planning principles:
            (1) Provide substantial opportunities for area residents to 
        participate in the planning process.
            (2) All public structures should be designed to withstand a 
        category 5 hurricane.
            (3) Preserve the unique historical, cultural, and 
        architectural character of communities to the maximum extent 
        possible.
            (4) Infrastructure should be developed to minimize the 
        impact of future hurricanes.
            (5) Infrastructure should be developed to improve economic 
        opportunity for the region and its residents.
            (6) Transportation infrastructure should be designed and 
        built with future evacuation needs in mind.
            (7) Establish systems to maintain infrastructure over time 
        and accommodate growth in the region.
            (8) Promote access to housing, transportation, jobs and 
        schools to residents of all incomes that accommodates economic 
        and social integration.
            (9) Promote energy efficient design.
            (10) Promote transit oriented development in metropolitan 
        areas.
            (11) Promote innovations in public-private partnerships.
            (12) Promote efficient and cost-effective rebuilding 
        efforts.
            (13) Promote involvement of the private sector and 
        nonprofit organizations to broaden participation and help 
        control costs to the Federal Government.
    (t) Collaboration With Local Government, Nonprofit Organizations, 
and Private Entities.--
            (1) In general.--Throughout the process of developing a 
        comprehensive plan, the Authority and the planning staff of the 
        Authority shall work with local government officials, nonprofit 
        organizations and private entities with a stake in the 
        redevelopment of the region.
            (2) Individuals and entities.--Individuals and entities 
        shall include--
                    (A) State and local government officials;
                    (B) community based nonprofit organizations;
                    (C) chambers of commerce and business community 
                leaders;
                    (D) school superintendents, parent and teacher 
                associations;
                    (E) environmental groups;
                    (F) real estate and construction industries, both 
                nonprofit organizations and for-profit entities;
                    (G) social service providers;
                    (H) emergency relief and disaster planning 
                nonprofit organizations;
                    (I) labor organizations;
                    (J) utility companies;
                    (K) hospital administrators and practitioners; and
                    (L) insurance companies.
    (u) Nonapplicability of Certain Provisions.--The Authority shall 
not be construed to be an agency for purposes of chapter 5 of title 5, 
United States Code, and such chapter shall not be construed to apply to 
the Gulf Coast Agency with respect to the Authority. The Federal 
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
Authority.

SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as necessary to 
carry out this Act.

SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF OFFICE.

    (a) In General.--The Office and position of Director shall 
terminate 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Extension of Termination.--
            (1) In general.--The President may extend the date of 
        termination under subsection (a) in accordance with this 
        subsection.
            (2) Conditions of extension.--Any extension of termination 
        under this subsection--
                    (A) shall not be effective for any period occurring 
                6 years after the date of enactment of this Act;
                    (B) may not apply retroactively if the Office and 
                the position of Director have already terminated under 
                this section;
                    (C) shall not be effective unless 6 months before 
                the date on which a termination would occur the 
                President submits a notice to Congress of a 
                determination to extend the termination and setting 
                forth the length of the extension; and
                    (D) subject to subparagraph (A), may be made only 
                for a 1-year period, 2-year period, or 3-year period.
                                 <all>
```