NY AG James Sues FEMA Over BRIC Program Cut

New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined a coalition of 19 states in filing a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) over its illegal shutdown of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. This move, which abruptly terminated the program earlier this year, threatens billions in funding meant to safeguard communities from natural disasters.

Attorney General James asserts that the administration’s decision endangers millions of New Yorkers by cutting vital infrastructure improvements like roads, floodwalls, and shelters. The BRIC program has historically provided financial support for these critical measures, saving lives and reducing disaster recovery costs.

The lawsuit seeks a court order to halt the termination and prevent illegal reallocation of funds. James emphasizes that the administration’s action is unauthorized, and she is committed to ensuring New York receives necessary support against dangerous natural disasters.

Since its inception in the 1990s, the BRIC program has supported infrastructure improvements across all 50 states with over $4.5 billion allocated for nearly 2,000 projects. New York alone had 38 projects totaling over $380 million at risk due to the termination.

New York City’s flood vulnerability is a particular concern, with 19 projects in the pipeline set to receive BRIC funds, including a $50 million project to mitigate flash flooding risks for over 45,000 residents. Studies show that each dollar spent on mitigation saves an average of six dollars in post-disaster costs.

Despite widespread bipartisan support and proven success, the program was unlawfully terminated in April 2025, reallocating over $4 billion from pre-disaster mitigation to post-disaster grants, putting critical projects across the nation at risk.

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