A federal court ruling will keep billions of dollars flowing to New York projects designed to protect communities from floods, storms, and other natural disasters.
The decision blocks the federal government from eliminating FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, a key source of funding for pre-disaster projects across the state.
What the ruling means for New York
The BRIC program funds infrastructure meant to reduce damage before disasters strike. That includes flood walls, evacuation shelters, and upgrades to roads, bridges, water systems, and power infrastructure.
New York has 38 BRIC-funded projects totaling more than $380 million statewide that were put at risk earlier this year when the federal administration moved to shut the program down. New York City alone expects funding for 19 projects, many tied to flood protection.
A judge with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled that the administration’s attempt to terminate the program and divert its funding was illegal. The ruling requires the program to continue and prevents the redirection of its funds.
Why the program matters
BRIC is FEMA’s largest disaster preparedness program and has long drawn bipartisan support. It provides billions of dollars nationwide to help states and local governments prepare for disasters rather than paying higher costs after damage occurs.
In New York, officials say the funding plays a critical role as communities face increased risks from flooding, severe storms, and other extreme weather events.
“From devastating wildfires to record-breaking storms, communities across the country are facing threats from increasingly destructive natural disasters,” Attorney General Letitia James said. “The BRIC program helps states prepare for these disasters and save lives.”
How the case unfolded
After the program’s termination in April, a coalition of states sued FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. A preliminary injunction quickly stopped the program from being dismantled.
The court’s final ruling on Dec. 11 goes further, permanently blocking the termination and protecting the funding tied to BRIC projects.
Attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia joined the lawsuit, along with the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
For New York communities counting on disaster mitigation funding, the ruling brings certainty that long-planned projects can move forward.
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