AP Wire | 09/06/2006 | Lawmakers to study modular homes for hurricane recovery

AP Wire | 09/06/2006 | Lawmakers to study modular homes for hurricane recovery:

"Modular houses are made in factories then shipped to home sites and erected on slabs. Because modulars are made to meet local building codes, they're often allowed to be put in places where mobile homes are excluded from permanent placement.

Manufacturers said modulars can go up in a matter of days if local building crews are available.

Gov. Haley Barbour says boosting sales of modulars could help speed the coast's recovery from Katrina, which destroyed tens of thousands of homes when it struck on Aug. 29, 2005.

Barbour wants lawmakers to cut the sales tax rate on modulars from 7 percent to 3 percent. Barbour said the change would shave $4,000 to $6,000 off the purchase price"