Researching the Big Storms WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSF) - Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez peppered hurricane experts about what can be done to bolster research into the big storms. The hearing followed a recent report by the National Science Board that the federal government's funding of hurricane research was "inadequate."

One of those testifying was Franklin Nutter, president of the Reinsurance Association of America. He says the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew would have been cut in half if those homes had been built in compliance with Florida's new building code that was enacted in 2004.

"Homes built to the modern Florida building code experienced a 60 percent reduction in the actual losses - property losses," Nutter sayd, "and a 42 percent reduction in the loss severety - meaning dollar claims - during Hurricane Charley in 2004."

Both senators are sponsoring legislation that would provide $375 million to boster research into the causes of hurricanes, as well as ways to minimize loss of life and property. © Copyright 2012, WUSF