NAR Pledges Support for Comprehensive Approach to Address Natural Disasters

RISMEDIA, March 23, 2007-National Association of Realtors President Pat Vredevoogd Combs pledged in a letter to Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) to help Congress craft a national natural disaster plan that would include accessible and affordable insurance, improved preparedness and thorough planning for recovery efforts.

"Congress must adopt a comprehensive approach to natural disaster preparedness that encourages personal responsibility, promotes mitigation measures, ensures insurance availability and strengthens critical infrastructure. Ensuring such a plan is adopted is a top priority for NAR," said Combs. "We are pleased to see that the two Senators from Florida are taking the lead in forging a national strategy. NAR stands ready to work with Congress on this important issue."

NAR has been an active proponent for the creation of comprehensive federal natural disaster legislation. Last September, the trade group hosted a Federal Natural Disaster Policy Symposium, where attendees from across the country reiterated that natural disasters are a national problem and that state resources are not sufficient to deal with such "mega-catastrophes."

"The issue goes beyond hurricanes in Florida, or earthquakes in California. Natural disasters, such as tornadoes, wild fires and ice storms, can cause significant damage in many areas of the country and often result in catastrophic costs," Combs said. "The strategy presented today by Senators Martinez and Nelson marks a significant step forward in securing our nations economic security and national preparedness."

For more information, visit http://www.Realtors.org.