Summary of the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act of 2007

The Gulf Coast Civic Works Act of 2007 will ensure that real progress is made toward rebuilding and sustaining the Gulf Coast region. As part of a package of concurrent legislation, this bill establishes a federal authority to coordinate recovery projects, rebuild key infrastructure, and revitalize the region’s workforce. This bill does the following:

Takes Action to Jumpstart Recovery:
• Establishes the Gulf Coast Recovery Authority to implement and coordinate the necessary federal response to the devastation of the Gulf Coast
• Authorizes and funds the Civic Works Project to rebuild vital infrastructure and develop the local workforce benefiting workers, residents and local businesses
• Coordinates existing local, state, and federal programs to ensure rapid, effective, and efficient recovery
• Encourages displaced families to return with quality jobs rebuilding their communities

Rebuilds Vital Public Infrastructure:
• Provides workforce and project management for the reconstruction of critical infrastructure and services to ensure that businesses and communities prosper
• Rebuilds and repairs community assets including housing, schools, police and fire stations, city halls, court houses, roads, utilities, and cultural centers
• Builds an adequate levee system and restores marshes, wetlands, and other environmental features to provide natural flood protection for coastal residents
• Serves as a national model for disaster recovery and infrastructure development

Spurs Sustainable Community Development:
• Strengthens the regional workforce by providing jobs and needed skills training
• Improves living conditions for working families by offering prevailing wages
• Creates opportunity for low income workers through apprentices to receive the skills necessary to participate in high wage construction trades work.
• Builds regional economy offering local and displaced workers as the first source for hiring and gives local businesses priority for contracts
• Through local advisory councils, local community-based groups and local officials determine what projects are implemented in their communities.
• Promotes and develops the regions cultural heritage

Creates Opportunities for Public/Private Partnerships:
• Creates at least 100,000 jobs for Gulf Coast residents to participate in the rebuilding of their communities
• Creates opportunities for local businesses to participate in rebuilding and development projects through competitive contract bidding
• Supports sustainable industrial and commercial development of the Gulf Coast region and the greater Mississippi River corridor

Requires Accountability:
• Requires oversight and community participation in all recovery projects
• Authorizes funding for project review boards and regular financial audits
• Requires regular reports on project accomplishments and solvency


Gulf Coast Civic Works Project
www.SolvingPoverty.com (510) 508-5382