Dear Representative [INSERT NAME]:
As a fire chief from your district, I am writing to ask your support for the Safe Building Code Incentive Act (H.R. 1748). This legislation will provide states with an incentive to take the necessary actions to mitigate the costs of future disasters.
Since 1980, the United States has spent nearly $1 trillion on natural disaster recovery and rebuilding, including $137 billion just in the past four years. Federal disaster declarations also continue to rise, with the annual average tripling since the 1980s from approximately 20 declarations per year to approximately 60 declarations per year. Meanwhile, natural disasters continue to have devastating effects on homes, destroy livelihoods, and cause an enormous amount of lost economic activity. For example, a 2010 study by the National Federation of Independent Business found that 30% of small businesses fail to reopen following a presidential disaster declaration or emergency.
Research has shown that strong statewide building codes are our first and best line of defense against natural disasters. A study from the National Institute of Building Sciences concluded that – on average – every $1 spent on mitigation at the federal level saves $4 in disaster relief. With billions of dollars spent annually by the federal government and private sector on disaster relief and restoration of disaster-ravaged communities, I think that legislation that encourages widespread adoption of model building codes will drastically reduce disaster-related losses over time.
H.R. 1748 is designed to focus on using common-sense mitigation measures to reduce the costs of disaster response. The bipartisan legislation promotes stronger and safer construction for all Americans by providing an additional 4% in post-disaster grants by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to states that have adopted and enforced model building codes. Rather than relying upon federal mandates, this legislation provides an incentive for states to take the necessary actions to protect their citizens.
Unfortunately, it is not a question of “if a natural disaster will strike my community,” but “when one will strike.” H.R. 1748 will help to fortify local businesses, homes, communities, and our economy against ever-costlier natural disasters. I hope that you will cosponsor H.R. 1748, the Safe Building Code Incentive Act, and help our nation to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Sincerely,