In the US, Representatives Daniel Webster (R-10) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-25) of Florida have called for resilient construction and design to be utilised throughout the country. The representatives joined a forum with the Portland Cement Association and the National Ready Mix Concrete Association, during which they pointed to the reduced insurance costs that could be obtained by homeowners opting for resilient construction techniques that allow a community to minimise costs after a natural disaster. Rep. Diaz-Balart has recently introduced legislation incentivising resilient construction by providing a tax credit to homeowners and business owners with property that implement fortified structures better able to handle natural disasters.

Funding for rebuilding communities following a natural disaster comes from taxpayer dollars. After Superstorm Sandy, Congress authorised US$9.7 billion to cover insurance claims filed by residents affected by the wide ranging damage of the storm. Businesses are also affected.

Communities built to last start with comprehensive planning, including stricter building codes that produce robust structures with long service lives. Studies show that every dollar used for mitigation results in US$4 savings after a disaster. 


Adapted from press release by