Technical Summary from the LDRF and Equity & Inclusion Campaign…

The Gulf Coast Civic Works Act (HR 4048)

 Purposes of the Act

• Establish a Federal authority to carry out the necessary government response.
• Provide 100,000 job opportunities and qualified workers to rebuild communities.
• Strengthen the region’s workforce by providing job training and apprenticeships.
• Rebuild critical public infrastructure such as roads, levees, hospitals and housing.
• Provide workers with fair wages and equal opportunity.
• Assist individuals in finding long-term employment and economic development.
• Include community organizations and coalitions in planning and decision-making.
• Strengthen partnerships between public/private sector for sustainable communities.

Title I- The Gulf Coast Recovery Authority

 Section 101: Establishment of Corporation

The Federal Gulf Coast Authority will have general management over the Act. The Authority will have its principal office located in Louisiana, with regional offices in the Gulf Coast and Washington D.C. This bill expressly limits the Authority’s power to exercise eminent domain in the rebuilding process. This section also requires local invitation from municipalities before any project initiated by the Authority can be implemented.

 Section 102: Board of Directors

A Board of Directors will be created to oversee the Authority. There are seven Directors, nominated by Governors of Gulf Coast states, and appointed by the President. This section requires bi-partisan appointment of Directors. Each Director will serve for a term of five years.

Section 105: Powers of the Corporation

This section outlines the powers and duties of the Authority including the powers to purchase real estate, property and materials to carry out the Act; make alterations to existing structures and build new facilities; coordinate local, regional and national programs and agencies to carry out programs; establish Regional Operating Authorities to implement and oversee rebuilding locally; formulate and require reports from participating agencies and employers; file regular progress and financial reports with Congress; ensure local hiring; and investigate wage complaints. This section also mandates Local Advisory Councils, comprised of elected officials, community groups, residents and other qualified persons to regularly consult the Authority on rebuilding projects.

 Title II- The Gulf Coast Civic Works Project

Section 201: Purposes

To create 100,000 jobs and qualified workers to participate in the development of communities and infrastructure devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Section 202: Establishment

The Act establishes the Gulf Coast Civic Works Project (GCCWP) to implement, manage and coordinate numerous public works and job development programs.

Section 203: General Activities

The GCCWP will conduct regional redevelopment by identifying areas in need of rebuilding and development; cooperate with communities to employ and train local residents and ensure fair wages; actively reach out to recruit, train and employ displaced residents; identify where work shortages exist and work with private businesses, workforce investment boards and community groups to hire or train workers.

 Section 204: Job Training Programs

The Authority will work with existing job training programs, or create new programs where needed, to ensure a skilled workforce throughout the region. Gulf Coast residents will have first priority for enrollment in job training programs, and all trainees will receive paid job training positions.

 Section 205: Job Creation

After identifying recovery, rebuilding, development and employment needs, the Authority may hire, pay and train workers as needed to carry out the Act. The Authority may also create, fund and carry out rebuilding projects, such as public infrastructure projects. The Authority may contract with private entities and hire employees to carry out such projects. In addition, the Act calls for the Authority to mobilize a youth-based Conservation Corp to work for environmental protection and re-development to ensure protection of coastal areas and natural flood protection. Current and displaced residents will have priority in the hiring process, and local hiring halls will be set up where needed to ensure all residents have access to employment opportunities. The Authority is required to pay all workers a prevailing wage.

 Section 208: Gulf Coast Artist Grants

While redeveloping infrastructure and economy through public works projects and workforce development, the Act also seeks to protect cultural heritage. To do so, the Act funds numerous grants for writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians and others to create work and to preserve the cultural identity of the Gulf Coast region.