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Louisiana parishes to receive donation of I-Codes from ICC Foundation

The International Code Council Foundation is donating I-Codes to the 11 Louisiana parishes declared federal disaster areas. From left: State Sen. Ken Hollis, ICCF President Paul Myers and State Rep. Gillis J. Pinac.

The International Code Council Foundation (ICCF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies, is stepping up to help local Lousiana governments' efforts to implement requirements of the state's uniform construction code law.

Louisiana State Senator Ken Hollis and State Representative Gil Pinac, who co-authored Senate Bill 44 during the 2005 special legislative session that sets up a process to establish a statewide uniform construction code, joined ICCF President Paul Myers in Baton Rouge to announce the assistance plan.

"We certainly welcome the support of the International Code Council Foundation in our efforts to implement these new safety measures," Sen. Hollis, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs, said. "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.

Rep. Gil Pinac, chair of the House Committee on Commerce, added, "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. As we move forward to establish our uniform statewide construction code, the council's professional advice and support will be invaluable."

The ICCF donated copies of I-Codes to the 11 Louisiana parishes declared federal disaster areas, including Orleans, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Terrebonne and Vermilion parishes.

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.

"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. "As promised, the International Code Council will open a regional office in Louisiana February 1 to help the state with its hurricane recovery efforts."

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 is also contributing the book Reducing Flood Losses through the International Codes to the parishes. This 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.