NRMCA Applauds Introduction of Legislation on Resilient Construction; House Bill Would Offer Tax Credits for Residential, Commercial Buildings
Alexandria, VA – March 19, 2021
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association is pleased to be part of a broad coalition that includes members of building and construction materials associations, civil engineers, codes and standards organizations, and environmental advocacy and insurance industries that are supporting the reintroduction of legislation aimed at securing a tax credit to foster the construction of resilient residential and commercial buildings. The Disasters Savings and Resilient Construction Act of 2021, sponsored by Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Tom Reed (R-NY), Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), would offer a tax credit of $3,000 and $25,000 per structure for residential and commercial construction, respectively, if the structure is built or rebuilt within a federally-declared disaster zone up to two years following the occurrence of the disaster. A structure is eligible when it meets a variety of resilient construction standards, including standards for high wind, wildfire and seismic events.
This legislation promotes investing in resilient construction in the wake of federal disasters and works to mitigate the impact of future disasters. Disasters in the United States are increasing in number and severity each year. Once a disaster strikes, communities are faced with the task of rebuilding so Americans can get back to work. The economic and environmental impacts of rebuilding after every disaster are unsustainable. Resilient construction will help prevent future loss of lives, ease economic suffering, reduce our carbon footprint and require less federal assistance during the next disaster. The National Institute of Building Science has found that for every $1 spent on stronger building codes as much as $11 is saved by avoiding future losses, guarding against damage during subsequent severe weather events.
“When communities are built to resilient, robust standards, we help to ensure that the places where we live, learn, work, worship and play are safe and sustainable,” said NRMCA President Mike Philipps. “We applaud Representatives Pascrell, Reed, DeFazio and Diaz-Balart for their leadership on this issue and are honored to be a part of a broad coalition supporting this legislation.”
Other organizations supporting this legislation include the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, BuildStrong Coalition, Build With Strength, Environmental Defense Fund, Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, International Code Council, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, North American Concrete Alliance, Portland Cement Association and the U.S. Resiliency Council.