Obama taps SecNav for Gulf recovery plan - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Obama taps SecNav for Gulf recovery plan

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has been tasked with formulating a “long-term Gulf Coast restoration plan,” to include solutions not only for the ongoing BP oil spill, but lingering problems from the 2005 hurricanes and before, President Obama announced Tuesday night.

Although early details were not clear, it appeared Mabus had been asked to coordinate with the hodgepodge of interests and local governments along the Gulf Coast to come up with long-term goals for how to clean up after the spill and then keep improvements going.

Mabus is right for the job as a former governor of Mississippi and “a son of the Gulf,” Obama said. Mabus’ plan should be “designed by states, local communities, tribes, fishermen, businesses, conservationists, and other Gulf residents. And BP will pay for the impact this spill has had on the region.”

Mabus’ spokeswoman, Capt. Beci Brenton, told Navy Times she did not have any additional information about his new job or how it could affect his responsibilities as secretary of the Navy; she deferred questions to the White House.

DISCUSS: A new task for Ray Mabus