Full Breakdown
North Carolina Wins Lawsuit Against FEMA to Reinstate $200 Million for Disaster Mitigation
12/14/2025, 8:05:24 PM
Court Ruling Restores Funding for Infrastructure Projects
North Carolina has successfully won a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), resulting in a federal court order to reinstate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) disaster mitigation program. The ruling comes after FEMA abruptly canceled the program in April 2025, stripping over $200 million designated for more than 60 infrastructure projects across the state. Attorney General Jeff Jackson initiated the lawsuit in July, arguing that FEMA's actions unlawfully encroached on Congress's authority to appropriate funds for disaster mitigation.
Background of the BRIC Program
The BRIC program was established to fund infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing community resilience against natural disasters. In North Carolina, the program had allocated funds for critical projects, including sewer upgrades, riverbank restoration, and flood protection initiatives. The abrupt cancellation of the program left many of these projects in jeopardy, prompting North Carolina, along with 19 other states, to take legal action against FEMA.
Key Statements from Officials
Attorney General Jeff Jackson emphasized the importance of the ruling, stating, “Our towns spent years doing everything FEMA asked them to do to qualify for this funding, and they were in the middle of building real protections against storms when FEMA suddenly broke its word.” He further noted that the reinstatement of funds is crucial for maintaining essential water systems and protecting homes from flooding. Governor Josh Stein echoed this sentiment, highlighting that improved infrastructure saves lives in a state frequently affected by natural disasters.
Criticism of FEMA's Actions
FEMA's decision to cancel the BRIC program was met with significant criticism. The agency described the grants as “wasteful and ineffective,” a characterization that was challenged by state officials and the court. The ruling stated that FEMA's termination of the program was an “unlawful Executive encroachment” on Congress's prerogative to allocate funds for disaster preparedness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the court ruled in favor of North Carolina, there are conflicting perspectives regarding FEMA's management of the BRIC program. Some officials from the Trump administration claimed that the program had not been terminated, while others criticized the Biden administration for allegedly misusing the BRIC funds. The exact future of the program remains uncertain, as discussions about its efficiency and accessibility continue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “we won this case because FEMA tried to take back $200 million that it had already designated for North Carolina.” — Jeff Jackson, North Carolina Attorney General
- “This is a case about unlawful Executive encroachment on the prerogative of Congress to appropriate funds for a specific and compelling purpose, and no more than that,” — U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns
What's Next for North Carolina?
Following the court's ruling, North Carolina is set to move forward with the reinstated BRIC projects, which include significant funding for flood protection and infrastructure improvements. The state aims to ensure that these projects are completed to enhance community resilience against future natural disasters.
