James’ Legal Victory Shields $4B for Disaster Prep

New York Attorney General Letitia James has scored a landmark victory in the fight against natural disasters with a lawsuit that has protected billions of dollars for critical infrastructure projects.

The AG, along with 20 other state attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, successfully challenged the illegal termination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. This pivotal program was targeted by the federal administration for termination in April, with over $4 billion intended to support disaster-prevention projects at risk.

Attorney General James emphasized the critical role of BRIC in preparing communities for increasingly destructive natural disasters, saying, ‘This decision is a major victory for New Yorkers and millions across the country whose lives and livelihoods were put at risk by this administration’s reckless attempt to eliminate this program.’

The lawsuit, filed against FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), argued that the termination of BRIC was both unlawful and unconstitutional. The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts sided with the coalition, ruling that the abrupt termination of the program violated several key principles, including the Separation of Powers and the Appropriations and Spending Clauses.

New York alone stands to benefit from 38 BRIC projects totaling over $380 million. This legal victory ensures that these essential projects can move forward, safeguarding communities against natural disasters.

Joining Attorney General James in this lawsuit were representatives from a total of 22 states and the District of Columbia, demonstrating widespread support for the program’s crucial mission.