WASHINGTON (AP) — With the Trump administration weighs the future The federal agency responsible for disaster response is discontinuing a crucial program that numerous communities nationwide have utilized to fund initiatives aimed at helping them get ready for natural calamities such as floods and wildfires.
On Friday, in a press statement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that they were discontinuing the program. Developing Resilient Infrastructure and Communities The program refers to this action as part of its initiatives aimed at eradicating "waste, fraud, and abuse."
"The BRIC initiative was yet another instance of an inefficient and unproductive FEMA project. The organization prioritized political objectives over assisting Americans impacted by natural calamities," the agency stated.
Besides discontinuing the program moving forward, FEMA announced it was also nullifying all applications submitted for the initiative between 2020 and 2023. Additionally, funds allocated through grants that had not yet been disbursed were ordered to be promptly refunded back to the federal government.
The program was started During the initial Trump administration and later broadened during the Biden administration.
Approximately $1 billion was set aside for this initiative as part of the Biden administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021. As stated by FEMA, around $133 million has already been distributed among roughly 450 applicants nationwide.
Across the nation, communities have utilized grant money to safeguard their municipalities from catastrophes, like elevating roadways to prevent flooding or constructing subterranean reservoirs to brace for water shortages due to droughts.
The statement did not specify precisely what the agency deemed "wasteful." However, the Trump administration has focused on eliminating programs or financial support throughout the federal government aimed at tackling climate change or advancing objectives related to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
In the Biden administration, the BRIC initiative played a crucial role in the government’s approach to tackling climate issues. While funding was distributed broadly throughout various regions nationwide, particular attention was paid to supporting traditionally underrepresented areas.
These reductions occur as FEMA’s future is uncertain. President Donald Trump has contemplated dissolving the agency altogether and providing funds directly to states for disaster management. He has established a task force to examine FEMA’s role and determine if eliminating it would be appropriate.
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Rebecca Santana from The Associated Press