The National Modular Housing Council (NMHC) met at the 2004 Summer Meeting in June, and had a very constructive meeting. In addition to formally creating the NMHC, the NMHC held a number of good discussions. The first item discussed was the divisible load issue. NMHC had retained the services of Paul Borghesani to review the issue, and the committee heard the results of his study. From a survey of a number of manufacturers, significant cost savings will be realized due to a decrease of modular movements. NMHC members and staff also met with the Department of Transportation at the meeting and began mapping out a plan to change the definition. NMHC staff will initiate a coalition meeting of other interested parties and conduct outreach to officials in order to successfully resolve the issue.

The committee also viewed the results of "Modular Housing News," the first issue of the online newsletter devoted solely to the modular industry. Committee members were instructed to direct any feedback to NMHC staff.

Mark Nunn updated the committee on the IRC Building Code processes. The 18 month process begins again in August. The NMHC decided that the industry needs to be more proactive in the code arena process, and will be soliciting items from the membership for suggested code changes.

The Council heard a state legislative update. South Carolina recently passed a modular bill setting aesthetic requirements for modular homes, as well as amending the sales tax to a more favorable position for the industry.

Fred Hallahan updated the committee on modular shipments. The industry is projecting the modular industry to produce over 40,000 homes this year.

The Council also reviewed plans to sponsor a plant tour for builders, developers, manufacturers, and any other interested parties. Harrisburg, Penn. was chosen as the area for the first tour since there is a high concentration of plants in the area. MHI will handle the details.

For any questions on the NMHC meeting or on modular issues in general, please contact Thayer Long at (703) 558-0678, or tlong@modularcouncil.org