The City of New York faces a dire fiscal emergency, as found and declared by the Legislature of the State of New York in Extraordinary Session on September 8, 1975. This emergency has far-reaching economic and social consequences for every municipality in the State and Nation. In response to New York City's fiscal crisis, the State of New York has extended support to the City, at substantial risks to the [continued] State. Unfortunately, the State can no longer stretch its resources any further without seriously impairing its own financial position. Indeed, alarming signs already exist that the State's efforts have adversely affected the credit of the State. Federal support is the last resort available to avert the national economic disaster certain to follow a financial collapse of the City of New York.

To spur Federal action, there must be a national awareness of the City's plight, of the City's and State's comprehensive rescue efforts, of the potential national impact of City default and of the Federal responsibility in this regard.

Many groups in the State are already organized and actively involved on relevant fronts to assist the City. These groups, however, require coordination and technical assistance in order to maximize their efforts.

Accordingly, I, Hugh L. Carey, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York, by Executive Order, do hereby establish in the Executive Department a board to be known as the Citizen Mobilization for Federal Action, to recommend federal action programs meeting the urgent needs of the City of New York, to coordinate the efforts of all private organizations and groups seeking to obtain Federal assistance for the City, to serve as the State's representative and liaison with all business, industry, labor, civic and community groups and private individuals striving to assist the City in order to prevent its economic collapse, and to perform such other related functions as the Governor may assign to it.

To provide the necessary leadership for such Board, I hereby appoint Robert F. Wagner as Director of the Citizen Mobilization for Federal Action, to report directly to me.

In carrying out its functions, powers and duties, the Board shall, to the extent feasible, make use of the resources of existing State departments, divisions, agencies, and public authorities, including the personnel thereof, and such entities are hereby directed to provide such specific resources and personnel as are requested by the Board's Director. In addition to the foregoing, the Director may employ such additional personnel as he deems necessary and desirable to fulfill the functions of the office and provide them with compensation within the amounts available therefor.