THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

Washington

 

 

 

ORDER NO.  3287

 

SIGNATURE DATE:  July 2, 2009

 

Subject:  Establishment of Assistant Secretary - Insular Areas

 

Sec. 1  Purpose.  This Order authorizes the establishment of the position of Assistant Secretary - Insular Areas (AS/IN) to provide leadership and direction in carrying out the Secretary’s responsibilities for the United States territories and the United States Affiliated Freely Associated States. 

 

Sec. 2  Background.  The future success of the Insular Areas relies on the collaborative actions of the Federal government in promoting their economic, social, and political self-determination.  The Insular Areas are critically important to the diversity, security, and enrichment of the United States.  The Department recognizes the importance of issues that impact these areas, including health, education, infrastructure, wages, immigration, and many others. 

 

Designating an Assistant Secretary to represent the Secretary and discharge responsibilities for matters relating to these areas will allow for greater engagement within the Department, with other Federal agencies, with Congress, and with other stakeholders.  The Assistant Secretary will work collaboratively with other Departments to realize the full potential for the Insular Areas, will better coordinate Federal projects and resources, and improve the oversight of Federal grants and loans. 

 

Sec. 3  Authority.  This Order is issued in accordance with the authority provided by Section 2 of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1262), as amended; and 5 U.S.C. 5315. 

 

Sec. 4  Organizational Changes. 

 

a.    The position of Assistant Secretary - Insular Areas is hereby established in the Secretariat of the Department.   

 

b.    The Assistant Secretary - Insular Areas reports to the Secretary and carries out the Secretary’s responsibilities for insular affairs, including maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship with the Insular Areas; and co-chairs the Interagency Group on Insular Areas.

 

c.    The Deputy Assistant Secretary - Insular Affairs position that reports to the Assistant Secretary - Policy, Management and Budget is abolished.    

 

d.    The Office of Insular Affairs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary - Policy, Management and Budget, is realigned under the Assistant Secretary - Insular Areas.

 

Sec. 5  Delegation.  The Assistant Secretary - Insular Areas is delegated all the authority necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the office.  The authorities of the Assistant Secretary may be further delegated.

 

Sec. 6  Implementation.  The Assistant Secretary - Policy, Management and Budget is responsible for implementing this Order, including the appropriate transfer of personnel, funds, programs, records, and property.

 

Sec. 7  Expiration Date.  This Order is effective immediately.  It will remain in effect until its provisions are converted to the Departmental Manual or until it is amended, superseded, or revoked, whichever occurs first.  In the absence of any of the foregoing actions, the provisions of this Order will terminate and become obsolete on October 1, 2010.  The termination of this Order will not nullify the organizational changes effected herein.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                               /s/ Kenneth L. Salazar

                                                                                                Secretary of the Interior

 

SO#3287 7/2/09