CBCAG Measure for Training Building, Fire Safety Officials Awaits Congressional Consideration

July 1, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

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If approved, CBCAG funds would be dedicated to training first preventers - building and fire safety officials who seek to ensure compliance with safety codes before disasters occur.

At this writing, the CBCAG was awaiting action by the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

According to ICC, the bill would make recruitment and training possible in underserved communities.

"In so many communities, there simply aren't enough resources for building safety," said Rick Weiland, ICC CEO.

"You can adopt codes, but if you don't have trained people on the ground to ensure compliance and provide support, it doesn't matter," he said.

The CBCAG authorizes a competitive grant through the Department of Housing and Urban Development targeted at helping local governments hire, train and equip code officials.

The CBCAG would aid communities that see their resources overstretched - or lack resources altogether in the face of building booms or major rebuilds after a disaster.

"It's been proven over and over again that houses built to code and inspected properly stand up to natural disasters," said Steve Shapiro, ICC president.

"Studies show that every federal tax dollar spent on mitigation grants saves the community four dollars in recovery and rebuilding costs."

Source: International Code Council (ICC).