PIA National has put out a statement of support for the Disaster Response, Recovery and Mitigation Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 3377). The legislation is a comprehensive pre-disaster mitigation bill that improves upon the current mitigation programs in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (a.k.a. ‘The Stafford Act’).

“PIA National has been an advocate for strong building codes and other mitigation efforts for several years,” said Brian Marino, President-elect of PIA National. “As independent agents, our members see first-hand how mitigation programs save lives and property. Our experience shows that communities with strong building codes and enforcement have a much better chance to withstand natural catastrophes than communities with lax, or no standards. H.R. 3377 gives communities the tools they need to tailor programs to fit the particular perils affecting them. We commend Representatives Oberstar and Mica for their leadership on this issue.”

PIA has also endorsed H.R. 3026, the Hazard Mitigation for All Act; H.R. 3027, the Pre-disaster Hazard Mitigation Enhancement Program Act; and H.R. 3028, the First Responder Innovation and Support Act of 2009.

November 17, 2009