Fact Check: FEMA Terminates BRIC Grant Program
What We Know
On April 4, 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. This decision included the cancellation of all BRIC applications submitted from Fiscal Years 2020 to 2023. The announcement was made public through various channels, including a press release from FEMA, which stated that the program was being ended as part of a shift back to the agency's core mission (FEMA).
Congresswoman Emily Randall also addressed the issue, highlighting the significant impact this decision would have on various communities, particularly in Washington state, where counties were set to lose substantial funding for critical infrastructure projects (Congresswoman Randall). Additionally, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) confirmed the cancellation of BRIC applications and noted that no funds had been obligated for these projects prior to the program's termination (VDEM).
Analysis
The claim that FEMA announced the termination of the BRIC program and the cancellation of all applications from 2020 to 2023 is supported by multiple reliable sources. FEMA's own press release explicitly states the termination of the program and the cancellation of pending applications (FEMA). This is corroborated by statements from Congresswoman Randall, who has been vocal about the consequences of this decision for her constituents (Congresswoman Randall).
The reliability of these sources is high; FEMA is the authoritative agency responsible for disaster management in the U.S., and their announcements are official and well-documented. The Congresswoman's statements, while politically motivated, reflect the concerns of her constituents and provide context to the implications of the program's cancellation. Furthermore, VDEM's confirmation of the cancellation adds another layer of credibility, as it is a state-level agency that interacts directly with FEMA regarding grant programs (VDEM).
Critically, while some sources may express opinions on the effectiveness or necessity of the BRIC program, the factual basis of the termination and cancellation of applications is consistently reported across multiple credible outlets. Other sources, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and various advocacy groups, have also reported on the implications of this termination, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on infrastructure resilience (ASCE, IAEM).
Conclusion
The claim that FEMA announced the termination of the BRIC grant program and the cancellation of all applications from 2020 to 2023 is True. This conclusion is based on consistent reports from reliable sources, including FEMA's official announcements and corroborating statements from government officials and agencies.
Sources
- FEMA Ends Wasteful, Politicized Grant Program, Returning ...
- Congresswoman Randall Demands Answers on FEMA's ...
- Federal Grant Status FAQ | VDEM
- Update on FEMA Ending the Building Resilient ...
- FEMA Provides Update to BRIC Termination
- The FEMA BRIC Program Is Ending | ASCE
- BRIC - Call to Action
- FEMA ends Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities ...