Federal Bill Provides Matching Funds for Code Enforcement

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kansas) have introduced legislation that would provide federal grants to building departments in order to enhance public safety through improved enforcement of building codes. The glass industry knows that bringing products up to code is one step toward ensuring safety, but means nothing without proper code enforcement.

The bill, commonly referred to as the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007, aims to promote and enhance the operation of local building code enforcement by establishing a competitive federal matching grant program, supplementing existing state or local funding for building code enforcement administration. The funds may be used to increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence and professional qualifications, support individual certification or departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to the administration of the local building code enforcement department.

While not a direct recipient of the program's benefits, glass companies appreciate the need for improved code enforcement, including the use of fire-rated glass to protect individuals in the case of fire.

"We believe actions to improve code enforcement are critical for life safety. This includes ensuring that the proper types of fire-rated glazing are specified, that all mandatory product tests have been met and that materials are properly labeled," says Technical Glass Products vice president of business development, Jeff Razwick.

"Fire-rated glass can play a major role in protecting people from fire, but like other protective products, appropriate specification and testing are necessary. Code enforcement goes a long way toward that."

If enacted and funded, the grants would provide $100 million per year over five years to help local governments employee building and fire code officials. The grants would be awarded on a competitive basis and be administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

CLICK HERE to comment on the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007.

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