Natural Disaster Bill Aims for Stronger Building Codes
Legislation currently pending in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives supports ongoing Big “I” efforts to encourage states and local governments to adopt stronger and safer building codes. The Big “I” believes that stronger, standardized and safer building codes could potentially save lives, property and billions of dollars.
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) introduced legislation in their respective chambers earlier this year that would provide states with additional disaster relief funding if they enact modern building codes. The “Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2013” is S. 905 in the Senate, and H.R. 1878 in the House (where it has growing bipartisan support).
The Big “I” has endorsed the bill and has long advocated for such reform. The Big “I” is also an active member of the BuildStrong Coalition, a partnership of industry associations and companies currently working with Congress on ways to strengthen and improve building codes.
The proposed law would create a financial incentive for states that have adopted and enforced statewide building codes. Under the “Safe Building Code Incentive Act,” states that adopt and enforce nationally recognized model building codes for residential and commercial structures would qualify for an additional 4% of funding available for post-disaster grants. The program would be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
According to a National Institute of Building Sciences study, for every $1 spent to make buildings and homes stronger and safer, the American taxpayer saves $4 in federal disaster assistance. In one example, the Louisiana State University Hurricane Center estimated that stronger building codes would have reduced wind damage from Hurricane Katrina by 80% at a savings of approximately $8 billion.
The Big “I” and many industry experts believe that standardized building codes, adopted at the state level to address state-specific risks, promote a level and consistent playing field for design professionals, suppliers and builders. They also create a minimum standard upon which consumers can rely and lead to a more stable insurance market.
The Big “I” strongly supports both S. 905 and H.R. 1878 and is working closely with Congress, its industry partners and other decision-makers in Washington, D.C., to move this important piece of legislation as soon as possible.
—M.T.