NPCA and 25 other organizations recently expressed support for a proposed Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA) change that would lift FEMA assistance from 75 percent to 85 percent for areas that take steps beforehand to increase resilience.
DRRA was enacted in the wake of the then-record 2017 wildfire season alongside hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, which caused a combined $310 billion worth of damages across seven states and Puerto Rico.
“We are confident that raising the federal cost share for FEMA’s post-disaster public assistance program … for proven mitigation measures represents a powerful motivator for all communities to invest in resilience,” the letter reads. “Were FEMA to demonstrate a willingness to recognize and reward such investments in mitigation and resilience … it would inspire communities to harden themselves against future disasters by undertaking the prescribed actions.”
Precast concrete is a leading construction material for America’s infrastructure in terms of resilience. Precast concrete has low maintenance costs, is mold resistant, is non-combustible and is extremely fire resistant. Concrete’s mass also makes it ideal for areas prone to hurricanes and flooding.
And with typical life spans lasting more than 100 years, precast concrete provides durability for generations to come.