by Shane Henson — July 1, 2011—The International Code Council and more than two dozen other organizations that make up the BuildStrong Coalition are urging Congress to pass the Safe Building Code Incentive Act (H.R. 2069). Under the proposed legislation, states that adopt and enforce recognized model building codes for residential and commercial structures would qualify for an additional four percent of funding available for post-disaster grants. The program would be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In addition to saving lives and reducing property loss, statewide building codes based on recognized standards can protect the environment from waste caused by rebuilding after a disaster, according to the coalition. Sixteen states currently enforce existing building codes that would already qualify for the additional four percent funding. Another 15 states could qualify with minor changes to current laws and regulations.
BuildStrong will conduct a nationwide campaign urging the enactment of the Safe Building Code Incentive Act. The advocacy campaign will educate Congress, state policymakers, the media and homeowners about the critical importance of building codes.
