Architects Praise House Passage of HR 1471, the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives Monday passed the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act. The legislation reauthorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency and calls for a major review of disaster cost trends that will include proposals for mechanisms and incentives to reduce disaster costs. The review will include recommendations to FEMA and Congress.

AIA President Russell Davidson:

“A new assessment of disaster costs is long overdue, and will provide valuable information to better manage the spiraling costs of disaster assistance incurred by the American taxpayer.

“We are especially gratified that the legislation calls on representatives of the construction and building industry — including architects — to take part in this comprehensive review. HR 1471 represents a major opportunity for our profession to have a say in developing proposals which could have an immediate impact on federal resilience policy.

“Furthermore, input from architects is a necessary ingredient for the federal government to develop a comprehensive mitigation investment strategy, leading to recommendations that will reduce the loss of life and property, while enabling cost savings and improved efficiency and effectiveness for FEMA.”

For more great info from AIA, click this link like a boss!!!