Landrieu Comments on Two Administration Hurricane Recovery Nominations

Press Release

Landrieu Comments on Two Administration Hurricane Recovery Nominations

Steven Preston nominated for HUD, Maj. Gen. Doug O'Dell named Gulf Coast Rebuilding Coordinator.

United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today commented on two of President Bush's hurricane recovery appointments. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Steven Preston was today nominated to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), replacing Alphonso Jackson. Major General Doug O'Dell also today was appointed to replace Chairman Don Powell as Federal Gulf Coast Rebuilding Coordinator.

"When Steven Preston took the top position at SBA, he took over an agency mired in bureaucracy that was unable to effectively assist the recovery along the Gulf Coast. But Administrator Preston has been a willing and able partner who has worked to push through some important hurricane recovery initiatives, though much work remains left to be done for our small businesses.

"Administrator Preston is now headed to an agency that has similarly lacked leadership and focus on the recovery needs such as rebuilding affordable workforce and senior housing. But I look forward to working with him in this new role and hope that HUD will be a better partner during his tenure.

"Major General O'Dell's command experience provides some promise that he will be an effective force in the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding. His leadership as Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and Rita gives him insight into the scope of the recovery we face.

"Both of President Bush's choices offer potential new approaches and fresh leadership, and I look forward to working with them. But their effectiveness will be dependent on resources, commitment and flexibility that have been notably absent from this Administration. Without new dedication from the White House, Administrator Preston and Major General O'Dell's hands will be as tied as their predecessors', and our recovery will continue to be impeded as a result."

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