WASHINGTON — As the Trump administration evaluates the ongoing responsibilities of the federal agency responsible for disaster response, a key initiative utilized by communities throughout the nation is being discontinued. This program, essential for financing projects aimed at readying for natural calamities like flooding and wildfires, will no longer be operational.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in a statement released on Friday, announced its decision to terminate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The agency justified this move as a measure to eradicate “waste, fraud, and abuse.”
According to FEMA’s statement, “The BRIC program was yet another example of a wasteful and ineffective FEMA program. It was more concerned with political agendas than helping Americans affected by natural disasters.” This decision includes not only ceasing future operations but also canceling all program applications from 2020 to 2023. Additionally, any grant funds not yet allocated will be promptly returned to the federal treasury.
Initially launched during the previous Trump administration, the BRIC program saw expansion under President Biden. Allocations for the initiative were bolstered with approximately $1 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted in 2021. So far, FEMA has allocated approximately $133 million to around 450 different applicants nationwide.
Communities across the United States have actively employed these funds to support efforts in mitigating natural disasters. Projects include elevating roadways to avoid floodwaters and constructing underground storage solutions to prepare for droughts.
While the announcement did not specify the particular aspects deemed as “wasteful,” it is noteworthy that the Trump administration has consistently scrutinized federal programs aimed at tackling climate change or promoting diversity and equity. In contrast, the Biden administration considered the BRIC program as a substantial component of its climate change strategy, focusing especially on assisting historically disadvantaged areas.
The cessation of the BRIC program comes amidst broader questions about the future of FEMA itself. President Donald Trump has contemplated the possibility of dismantling the agency altogether and reallocating resources directly to states to manage local disasters more effectively. To address these considerations, a council has been established to explore potential reorganization or elimination of FEMA.