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Release Date: December 3, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rebecca S. Cotton 202-325-0197
New Orleans, La. – General Douglas O'Dell, federal coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, today told a group of homeland security experts, foundation representatives and congressional staff during a roundtable discussion that significant progress in rebuilding efforts in New Orleans is largely due to the hard work and collaborative efforts of local leaders. The Aspen Institute hosted the roundtable discussion, which was one of several conducted around the country on homeland security and natural disaster preparedness.
"It's not just about FEMA," O'Dell said. "Rebuilding involves every agency at every level of government. But government alone is not the solution. The private and nonprofit sectors play a determining role in the long-term recovery of the region. We should do everything possible to clear red tape and empower them to succeed.
"If there is one thing a disaster like Katrina teaches us it is that solutions are not found solely in the provision of resources, but real solution to rebuilding progress is carried out by local leaders because they know the needs of their residents and communities better than anyone else," O'Dell added.
He said the commitment, initiative and action of local leaders have brought about the tremendous progress and rebirth of the Gulf Coast and that they will be the ones who continue to drive rebuilding.
Noting that the role of the Federal government is about providing resources and then helping remove barriers and impediments standing in the way of progress, O'Dell explained that workout sessions with key stakeholders and executive decision-makers at every level have been a way of clearing the path to progress on several stalled public infrastructure projects like sewer systems, public schools and fire and police stations. In addition, he said the Transparency Initiative Web Tool—www.femarecovery.gov—is key to helping local leaders, residents and stakeholders learn about and participate in the rebuilding projects going on in their neighborhoods and communities. O'Dell called the workout session and transparency tool two of the best means to move forward in disaster recovery and rebuilding.
President George W. Bush and his Administration have provided more than $126 billion for Gulf Coast rebuilding.
The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding has been engaged in facilitating and streamlining the recovery effort, providing key federal support and resources to state and local leaders, as well as reinforcing the federal government's commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast.
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This page was last reviewed/modified on December 3, 2008.
