Full Breakdown
FEMA Resumes Major Resilience Grant Program After Court Order
3/26/2026, 7:19:47 AM
Overview of the Resumed Grant Program
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reopened applications for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which was previously canceled. This decision follows a federal court ruling mandating FEMA to restore the program, which allocates $1 billion to assist states, local governments, territories, and tribes in preparing for natural hazards such as fires, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Karen S. Evans, FEMA's acting leader, emphasized the importance of mitigation activities, stating, “When done correctly, mitigation activities save lives and reduce the cost of future disasters.”
Background and Context
The BRIC program was initially halted in April 2025 under former acting leader Cameron Hamilton, who deemed it “wasteful and ineffective.” This cancellation drew criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as it suspended approximately $3.6 billion in funding for critical infrastructure projects across the United States. A coalition of 22 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia subsequently sued the Trump administration, leading to a December 2025 ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns that prohibited the elimination of BRIC.
Changes to the Program
While the resumption of BRIC funding is a positive development for many communities, FEMA has introduced new rules that align with the Trump administration's approach to disaster management. These changes include the cessation of funding for hazard mitigation planning and non-financial technical assistance, which may disproportionately affect smaller communities lacking resources. FEMA's statement indicated that the program now emphasizes state and local responsibility for resilience and risk reduction.
Additionally, the new guidelines prioritize major infrastructure projects that are “ready to implement,” potentially making it more challenging for smaller or rural areas to compete for funding. However, the program also introduces caps on funding for individual recipients and provides additional scoring weight for new applicants and impoverished communities, addressing past criticisms regarding accessibility.
Implications and Criticism
The cancellation of BRIC funding previously delayed critical projects, such as a flood wall in Aberdeen, Washington, as noted by Rep. Rick Larsen, a Democrat and ranking member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He criticized the previous administration's decision, stating, “Slowing states’ ability to prepare for disasters was shortsighted, and communities like Aberdeen paid the price."
Research indicates that preemptive investments in disaster preparedness yield significant economic benefits, with a 2024 study funded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reporting that every $1 invested in disaster preparation saves $13 in future costs.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Newly appointed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has expressed support for FEMA's mission and aims to enhance the agency's effectiveness, expedite payments to jurisdictions, and better serve rural communities. As states prepare to apply for the new funding opportunity, they will have 120 days to submit their applications for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When done correctly, mitigation activities save lives and reduce the cost of future disasters,” — Karen S. Evans, FEMA Acting Leader
- “Slowing states’ ability to prepare for disasters was shortsighted, and communities like Aberdeen paid the price,” — Rep. Rick Larsen, Democrat, Washington
This resumption of the BRIC program marks a significant shift in FEMA's approach to disaster preparedness, reflecting both judicial intervention and evolving policy priorities.
