Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) on Tuesday would incentivize preventative steps to limit residential and commercial damages resulting from natural disasters.
The National Mitigation Investment Act, H.R. 5177, which was introduced by Curbelo and U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), would establish incentives for the adoption and enforcement of state building codes to minimize damages.
“The residents of both Florida and New Jersey have had to rebuild communities after the devastating effects of catastrophic natural disasters,” Curbelo said. “Returning to a life of normalcy is not only tremendously difficult, but can take multiple years. Furthermore, chronic tidal flooding poses a significant threat to real estate along our waterfront communities. This undoubtedly affects insurance rates, property values, clean water supplies, and general public welfare.”
Under the bill, the Robert Safford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act would be amended to allow the president to increase mitigation assistance by four percent of the estimated aggregate amount if a state enforces its building codes.
“The National Mitigation Investment Act would help to alleviate the burdens experienced post-natural disaster through pre-emptive methods by encouraging state and local governments to adhere to nationally recognized building codes,” Curbelo said. “I thank Rep. Sires for being my fellow co-lead on this bill —it’s important that we put measures in place to protect the future stability of our nation.”
The measure would also encourage states to require local governments to use a current version of building codes that address natural hazards in design and construction standards.
“Superstorm Sandy, like other storms around the country, exposed just how vulnerable our infrastructure is,” Sires said. “As these natural disasters continue to occur more frequently, it is time to apply the lessons learned to prevent similar destruction from occurring in the future. The National Mitigation Investment Act will aid communities in implementing pre-disaster mitigation tools to avert further crisis.”
Additionally, FEMA would be directed to establish a pilot program to award grants to state and local government that encourage the adoption and enforcement of nationally recognized building codes under the bill.