On June 29,Congress passed a new 5-year authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which was attached to the transportation bill. Of importance to the ready mixed concrete industry, the new NFIP authorization contains NRMCA-drafted language directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to study whether more robust building codes can be used as criteria for participation in the NFIP. 

The passage of this language culminates NRMCA’s 5-year effort, among several other efforts, to shape a new environment open to greater use of stronger building codes. The FEMA study will be completed and presented to Congress within the next six months.