Office of the Secretary

THE SECRETARY

The Secretary and Under Secretary are responsible for the overall planning, direction, and control of departmental affairs. The Deputy Under Secretary is specifically responsible for programing and budgeting.

POLICY, PLANS AND

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Functions performed in this area, under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Plans and International Affairs, include the analysis, development, and articulation of new and revised policies, plans, and programs for urban domestic and international transportation; analysis of the social, economic, and environmental interplay between transport systems operations and established policies, regulations, and laws; promotion and coordination of international research cooperation; technical assistance to developing countries; a comprehensive transportation data and information system; and transportation planning assistance and coordination among Federal, State, and local governments.

ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY, AND
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

This program area is responsible for the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act assuring that Department programs will protect and enhance the Nation's environment; is responsible for the Department's programs for enhancing the safety and security of passengers and cargo in transit and for the coordination of these programs with other Government and industry interests; performs the functions of the Secretary under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act (82 Stat. 720; 49 U.S.C. Sec. 1671 et. seq.) and under the Transportation of Explosives Act (18 U.S.C. 831-835) with respect to liquid pipelines; develops and coordinates departmental programs for the regulation of the transportation of hazardous materials: facil

itates the movement of cargo and passengers in domestic and international transport in the United States; and serves as the Department's point of contact in relations with public and private organizations and groups directed to consumer interests.

SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT AND
TECHNOLOGY

Activities conducted in this area include scientific and technological research and development advancing transportation capability as to its safety, effectiveness, economy, and viability; technological input to development of transportation policy; abatement of noise generated by transportation equipment; and telecommunications. The Assistant Secretary for Systems Development and Technology has responsibility for these activities and provides overall management for the Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge, Mass. The Transportation Systems Center is responsible for enhancing transportation safety and improving the Nation's transportation system with a minimal adverse effect on the environment by performing or arranging for the performance of advanced systems and technological research and development in all transportation disciplines.

CONGRESSIONAL AND

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Activities performed in this area include coordination of legislative matters within the Department, and direction of the Department's legislative program to the Congress. This area also ensures a continuing program of effective departmental communication and coordination with other Federal agencies and with State and local governments in the development and promotion of departmental matters.

GENERAL COUNSEL

The General Counsel is responsible for legal services as the chief legal officer of

the Department; and is legal adviser to the Secretary and the Office of the Secretary, and final authority within the Department on questions of law; represents the Department in proceedings before regulatory agencies; exercises functions, powers, and duties as a Judge Advocate General under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code) with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard; and provides for promotion and coordination of efficient use of departmental legal resources.

ADMINISTRATION

Functions performed include responsibility for organization; delegations of authority; management studies; personnel management; training; installations and logistics policy; accounting and data systems design; national emergency transportation; management information; investigations and security; audits; administrative support services for the Office of the Secretary and certain other components of the Department; and emergency transportation.

BOARD OF CONTRACT APPEALS

The Board of Contract Appeals is responsible for hearings and decisions on appeals from decisions of departmental contracting officers and on claims for extraordinary relief under the act of August 28, 1958 (72 Stat. 972).

United States Coast Guard

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

The Secretary has appointed a personal representative who is located in the headquarters city in each of the ten standard regions. This representative provides a single focal point for representation of departmental or secretarial interests in the field to assure effective administration of Federal transportation programs. The Regional Representative works with State and local agencies, public interest and user groups, and with other Federal agencies on matters involving two or more elements of the Department.

Regional Representatives of the Secretary

Department of Transportation

(Areas included within each region are indicated in the map on page 717.)

The Coast Guard, established by the act of January 28, 1915 (14 U.S.Ć. 1), became a component of the Department of Transportation on April 1, 1967, pursuant to the Department of Transportation Act of October 15, 1966 (80 Stat. 931). The Coast Guard is a branch of the Armed Forces of the

Donald W. Samuelson.

United States at all times and is a service within the Department of Transportation except when operating as part of the Navy in time of war or when the President directs.

The Coast Guard, originally called the Revenue Marine, was established in 1790 as a Federal maritime law en

spection, and law enforcement activities.

COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

The Auxiliary is a nonmilitary organization of private citizens who own small boats, aircraft, or radio stations. Auxiliary members assist the Coast Guard by conducting boating education programs, patrolling marine regattas, participating in search and rescue operations, and conducting courtesy motorboat examinations.

OCEAN STATIONS

There are ocean stations maintained in the North Atlantic and in the Pacific. Ocean stations vessels provide meteorological information to ships, aircraft, and the Weather Bureau; perform search and rescue missions; collect oceanographic data; and furnish navigation information to ships and aircraft.

MERCHANT MARINE SAFETY

This program consists of the following primary functions: inspection and regulation of vessels and related equipment to provide physical protection for crews, passengers, and cargo; licensing, regulation, and protection of the rights of merchant marine personnel; approval of plans for construction, alteration, and repair of vessels; approval of vessel equipment and appliances; investigation and review of marine casualties and acts of incompetency or misconduct; liaison with the maritime industry and international bodies; admeasurement and documentation of vessels; and publication of vessel registers.

MILITARY READINESS

As required by law, the Coast Guard maintains a state of readiness to function as a specialized service in the Navy in time of war.