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FEMA Reopens BRIC Disaster-Mitigation Grants With $1 Billion

A court order compelled the agency to restore the program.

The U.S. Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sign over the entrance to the Federal Center Plaza in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 15, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno
FILE - The Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters is photographed in Washington, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Overview

  • The agency opened applications Wednesday for $1 billion with a 120-day window covering fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
  • New rules end funding for hazard mitigation planning and non-financial technical help, shifting more work and costs to states and local governments.
  • A federal judge ruled in December that FEMA’s shutdown of BRIC was unlawful and required the agency to file regular updates as it restores the program.
  • North Carolina officials say FEMA pledged to reinstate $200 million for local flood projects, though the money has not arrived.
  • It remains unclear when previously awarded BRIC grants will resume, leaving cities that paused levees and pump-station moves waiting for funds.