A donation of code books by the International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) will help local Louisiana governments’ efforts to carry out requirements of the state’s new construction code law as the state rebuilds in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. ICCF, a subsidiary of the International Code Council, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies.
“We certainly welcome the support of the International Code Council Foundation in our efforts to implement these new safety measures,” said Louisiana State Senator Hollis. “We appreciate their generosity for donating the codes which would have cost our already cash-strapped communities thousands of dollars to purchase on their own.”
Sen. Hollis and State Representative Gil Pinac co-authored a bill during a special legislative session that set up a process to establish a statewide, uniform Louisiana construction code. “The Council’s commitment to Louisiana, not only with its donation, but also its expertise, is vital to our efforts to rebuild our state better and stronger,” said Rep. Pinac. “As we move forward to establish our uniform statewide construction code, the Council’s professional advice and support will be invaluable.”
“As a former building official, I know that using the International Codes, combined with strong enforcement will help Louisiana to build back stronger and safer, and better protect lives and property from future hurricanes and other disasters,” said Paul Myers, ICC Foundation President, during a press conference in the Louisiana State Capitol building. “As promised, the International Code Council will open a regional office in Louisiana to help the state with its hurricane recovery efforts.”
The ICCF donated copies of I-Codes to 11 Louisiana parishes declared federal disaster areas. The donated codes will help many jurisdictions replace technical libraries that were damaged or destroyed during the hurricanes. Other communities will be using the codes, including the International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Fuel Gas and Mechanical codes, for the first time as part of the new law.
Under emergency provisions of the new construction code law, the 11 parishes hit hardest by the hurricanes have up to 90 days from the effective date of the law to begin implementing and enforcing wind and flood provisions of the building and residential codes. Starting in 2007, the codes will be required for construction and renovation of all buildings statewide.
The Foundation also contributed the book Reducing Flood Losses through the International Codes. The guide, jointly written by FEMA and the International Code Council, will help communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program to integrate the I-Codes, the most widely adopted codes in the United States into their current floodplain management procedures.
