The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and its member companies are responding in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Donations of all kinds continue to reach the Gulf Coast and those in the impacted region.

“It is important to AISI and its member companies that we provide whatever types of relief we are able to for those in the Gulf Coast region,” said AISI President and CEO Andrew G. Sharkey III. “Hurricane Katrina was a devastating storm, and anything we can do to help rebuild the destruction caused, we are committed to seeing through”.

AISI and many of its member companies have designated matching donation programs to help in the aid effort. In addition, the steel industry is networking behind the scenes to assist in an expedited manner as experts examine the unprecedented repair and rebuilding effort ahead for the Gulf region. Clothing and blood drives, delivery of gas, food and supplies are among the efforts being made.

The Steel Framing Alliance (an AISI affiliate) is working with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assess the Gulf region, the extent of the rebuilding effort and what role steel can play to help rebuild stronger communities and infrastructure than existed before. In addition, Members of the Canned Food Alliance (also an AISI affiliate) have individually donated millions of dollars in food products and financial aid.

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology.

The Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) reflects the unified efforts of the steel framers and steel stud manufacturers. SFA is an affiliate of AISI, and includes a number of AISI member companies involved in the construction market.