RP69 - Relating to the creation of the Governor’s Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal.

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

Executive Department

Austin, Texas November 20, 2008

Relating to the creation of the Governor’s Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal.

WHEREAS, Texas was battered by three hurricanes and a major tropical storm during a 90 day period in 2008, causing major damage along the Texas coast; and

WHEREAS, for the first time in Texas history, all Texas coastal counties were designated presidentially declared disaster areas at the same time in 2008; and

WHEREAS, local governments alone do not have the resources needed for communities to fully recover from the devastating effects of a hurricane or major tropical storm or to adequately prepare for future disasters; and

WHEREAS, full recovery from a disaster and preparation for future disasters requires a comprehensive, integrated approach that incorporates the private sector; foundations; and the federal, state and local government; and,

WHEREAS, local officials are best equipped to assess the impact of disasters on their residents and to develop recovery plans for their communities; and

WHEREAS, local leaders have a vested interest in ensuring the economic revitalization of their communities following a disaster.

NOW THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of the State of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Texas, do hereby order the following:

Creation. The Governor’s Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal ("Commission") is hereby created. The Commission shall:

1. Work cooperatively with the ongoing Hurricane Ike Recovery and Coordination Effort to document Texas communities’ recovery needs and assist in seeking full federal reimbursement for recovery.
2. Develop recommendations designed to reduce the impact of natural disasters and build public-private partnerships that improve the state’s ability to mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters.
3. Recommend courses of action that will help devastated communities not only rebuild their economic base but also improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of their residents.

Composition and Organization. The Commission shall consist of up to 31 members appointed by the governor and include representatives of the private enterprise community; foundations; and local and state government. The governor may designate a member of the Commission to serve as chair of the Commission. The county judge of Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria, and Willacy counties shall be ex officio, non-voting members of the Commission. The governor may fill any vacancy that may occur and may appoint other voting or ex officio, non-voting members as needed. Any state or local officers or employees appointed to serve on the Commission shall do so in addition to the regular duties of their respective offices or positions. All appointees serve at the pleasure of the governor.

Sub-committees. The Chair may appoint sub-committees to fulfill the purposes of the Commission.

Meetings. The Commission shall meet not less than quarterly. The Chair shall determine the meeting times and places for the Commission.

Expenses. Commission members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of the Commission.

Administrative and Financial Support. State agencies, local governments and non-profit corporations may provide staff and funding to assist the Commission as necessary.

Coordination. The Commission, through its advisory efforts, shall coordinate with the federal, state and local governments.

Recommendations and Report. The Commission shall develop a report containing recommendations identifying:

• critical needs of communities that will assist them in achieving full recovery from the effects of recent disasters;
• processes, protocols and standards to assist in preparing for future disasters; and
• strategies and organizational alignments to build back affected communities better than they were before the disasters.

The Commission shall submit a final report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the House of Representatives, no later than June 30, 2009, unless modified by the governor.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders in conflict or inconsistent with its terms and shall remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding Governor.

Given under my hand this the 20th day of November, 2008.

RICK PERRY (Signature)

Governor

Attested by:

ESPERANZA "HOPE" ANDRADE (Signature)

Secretary of State