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- The Biden administration announced $1.2 billion in grants on Thursday, May 9, 2024, to help communities across the United States prepare for and recover from the impacts of...
- The $1.2 billion will be distributed across 49 states, Washington D.C., and several tribal nations.
- The BRIC program prioritizes projects that proactively reduce risk, rather than simply responding to disasters after they occur.
Biden Administration Announces $1.2 Billion in Grants for Climate Resilience
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The Biden administration announced $1.2 billion in grants on Thursday, May 9, 2024, to help communities across the United States prepare for and recover from the impacts of climate change. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Grant Details
The $1.2 billion will be distributed across 49 states, Washington D.C., and several tribal nations. According to a FEMA press release, the grants will fund 192 projects. These projects focus on infrastructure improvements designed to withstand extreme weather events.
- Louisiana received the largest single grant,totaling $176.3 million, to elevate homes in the Calcasieu parish region.
- California will receive $128.4 million for wildfire mitigation efforts in several counties.
- Florida is slated to receive $100 million for coastal resilience projects.
- New York will receive $93.8 million to bolster infrastructure against flooding.
BRIC Program Focus
The BRIC program prioritizes projects that proactively reduce risk, rather than simply responding to disasters after they occur. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated in a press briefing that the program represents “a fundamental shift in how we approach disaster preparedness.”
“These investments are about building a future where communities are resilient in the face of increasing climate risks,” Criswell said. (FEMA Press Briefing, May 9, 2024)
Funding Breakdown & Project Examples
The grants cover a wide range of projects, including:
- Flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and drainage improvements.
- Wildfire risk reduction measures, including forest management and home hardening.
- Coastal restoration projects to protect against sea-level rise and storm surge.
- Power grid resilience upgrades to prevent outages during extreme weather.
For example, the city of Norfolk, Virginia, will receive $28.8 million to improve drainage systems and reduce flooding in vulnerable neighborhoods. the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington state will receive $25 million to upgrade water infrastructure and protect against drought.
Long-Term Goals
The Biden administration aims to invest a total of $6.1 billion in BRIC funding over the next five years. The White House states that these investments will create jobs and strengthen the economy while protecting communities from the growing threat of climate change. More data about the BRIC program is available on the FEMA website.