FEMA To Support Stricter Building Code

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a $14 million program to help local governments implement the state’s tougher new building code, Gov. Kathleen Blanco said Monday."

"Proponents say the statewide building code, which went into effect Jan. 1, will help bring new insurance companies to the state and thus increase competition that will lower prices for policies."

"'In all my meetings with sectors of the insurance industry, I have been told again and again that second only to reliable levees, implementing and enforcing our statewide building codes is a must-do for affordable insurance,’ the governor said."

"State lawmakers passed the new code several weeks after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It requires new construction to adhere to strict standards, such as thicker windows, braces for the building and roof straps — all aimed at helping the structure survive high winds."