FEMA Restarts BRIC Disaster Grant Program after Federal Court Order

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resumed a disaster preparedness program after its cancellation last year. 

The resumption of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program comes less than three weeks after a federal judge ordered FEMA to restore the program and release funding, following a December court ruling that sided with a coalition of states and the District of Columbia challenging the cancellation.

The program provides grants to help communities prepare for disasters such as floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and infrastructure failures.

“Today’s order is a reminder that the law is not optional — even for the federal government,” said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D), one of the states that secured the court order. 

In his order requiring FEMA to restore the program and release funding, U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns acknowledged that “staffing shortages resulting from layoffs and the current budgetary freeze” played a role in the slow resumption of the program. 

The program was canceled in April 2025 by then-acting FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton, who called it “wasteful and ineffective.” 

Applications Open

FEMA said it will make $1 billion in funds available as it disperses the money for fiscal years (FY) 2024 and 2025. Applications are open until July 23, 2026. 

States, territories, the District of Columbia, and Tribal Nations can apply, with local governments and special districts eligible subapplicants.

“When done correctly, mitigation activities save lives and reduce the cost of future disasters,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator Karen S. Evans. 

Program Changes

The BRIC program will operate with some new rules. For example, the administration removed funding for hazard mitigation planning and non-financial direct technical assistance provisions.  

“The program now maximizes state and local responsibility for resilience and risk reduction rather than federal investing in a wide range of activities,” stated FEMA.

The program will also prioritize infrastructure resilience by funding construction projects ready to implement and by adopting the latest hazard-resistant building codes. 

“This is a proven strategy to protect communities and reduce future disaster losses,” said FEMA.