WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Rep. Dennis Moore of Kansas introduced legislation on Capitol Hill Wednesday, the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007, to provide federal grants to building departments to enhance public safety. The grant would provide $100 million over five years to help local governments hire, train and equip code officials, including building and fire inspectors. "Too often, especially in smaller communities, there simply aren't sufficient resources for building safety," said International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. "The Code Council has long recognized this need and applauds the vision of Senator Landrieu and Representative Moore for taking the lead in this important effort to provide much-needed funds to local code enforcement departments. Safety in homes, schools and all buildings for children, adults and seniors is a priority of every community in America. Congress is stepping forward to act on that priority. Better building through better code enforcement is clearly in the best interests of our country and every community in it." If approved by Congress, the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act would support hiring and training code officials to save lives and protect property. It would aid communities that see their resources stretched when they face building booms or major rebuilds after a disaster. Studies show that every dollar invested to build stronger and safer results in savings of $4 to $7 in reduced damages when a disaster occurs.
