Building Code Act Passes Subcommittee

Washington — The Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2008 has passed the House Financial Services Committee. 

The bill, introduced by Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.), would establish a Community Building Code Administration Grant Program, intended to provide awards to local governments for building code administration and enforcement. Specifically, the bill authorizes the program to give out $100 million over a five-year period with awards capped at $1 million per recipient jurisdiction. States and towns also will be required to match a portion of the funds awarded, and the bill outlines eligible uses of funds and selection criteria, with preference offered to governments in financial distress.

“As the representatives of the independent insurance agents who sell homeowners’ insurance, we feel it is important that Congress provides incentives for communities to put in place strong building codes,” says John Prible, assistant VP for federal government affairs for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. “Studies have shown time and again that proper mitigation through strong building codes protects both human life and property during major natural disasters, and we are pleased that the Financial Services Committee has chosen to provide local communities with more resources needed to institute these safety measures.”

Source: Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America