Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, and communities across the United States are increasingly vulnerable to their destruction.

The FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program offers a powerful solution for reducing disaster risks through innovative, long-term infrastructure investments.

Key Takeaways About the FEMA BRIC Program

BRIC empowers communities to proactively strengthen their infrastructure, reducing the impact of disasters before they strike.

  • Proactive Approach: BRIC promotes a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction, focusing on long-term resilience rather than reactive recovery. 
  • Innovation and Sustainability: The program encourages innovative projects, including nature-based solutions that provide environmental and community benefits. 
  • Community Empowerment: By engaging local stakeholders in the planning and implementation process, BRIC fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to resilience efforts. 

What is the FEMA BRIC Program?

The FEMA BRIC program is designed to support state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments as they plan and implement projects that build resilience against natural disasters.

Launched in 2020, BRIC replaces the previous Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program with a focus on infrastructure projects that reduce the long-term impacts of hazards such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. 

Unlike traditional disaster recovery programs, BRIC emphasizes proactive, future-focused investments, enabling communities to prepare for disasters before they happen.

Here’s a closer look at how BRIC works:

  • Resilience-Focused: BRIC promotes projects that enhance community resilience and reduce the risk of natural hazards. 
  • Innovation-Driven: The program encourages innovative solutions to disaster mitigation, including nature-based projects and modernized infrastructure. 
  • Capacity Building: BRIC helps communities develop the technical expertise needed to implement effective mitigation projects. 

Breaking Down the FEMA BRIC Programs

Funding for Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

BRIC provides substantial funding for large-scale infrastructure projects designed to reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience.

Eligible projects include upgrades to utilities, transportation systems, flood control infrastructure, and public buildings. These projects help protect communities from future disasters while ensuring long-term benefits for residents.

Examples of large-scale projects funded by BRIC include:

  • Flood Mitigation Systems: Communities prone to flooding can secure funding for levees, drainage systems, and floodwalls to reduce the risk of water damage. 
  • Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure: In seismic zones, BRIC can fund the retrofitting of buildings and bridges to withstand earthquakes. 
  • Hurricane Mitigation: Coastal communities can use BRIC funding to build storm surge barriers and elevate key infrastructure above flood levels. 

Nature-Based Solutions

A key component of the BRIC program is its emphasis on nature-based solutions, which use natural processes to reduce disaster risks while improving environmental outcomes.

These projects are designed to work in harmony with the environment, providing both mitigation and ecological benefits.

Examples of nature-based solutions include:

  • Wetland Restoration: Coastal communities can restore wetlands to absorb floodwaters and reduce storm surge impacts. 
  • Forest Management: In wildfire-prone areas, BRIC can fund forest thinning and controlled burns to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. 
  • Green Infrastructure: Urban communities can implement green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater and reduce flood risks.

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance

BRIC Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) offers more than just funding projects; it also helps communities develop the technical skills and capacity needed to carry out successful mitigation efforts.

Through grants, FEMA provides resources for developing hazard mitigation plans, conducting risk assessments, and improving project management capabilities. 

Key areas of capacity building include:

  • Risk Assessments: BRIC DTA funding supports the development of risk assessments that help communities understand their vulnerabilities and prioritize mitigation efforts. 
  • Planning Support: Communities can receive funding to develop or update hazard mitigation plans, which are essential for identifying long-term mitigation needs. 
  • Prioritization of Assistance: BRIC DTA funding prioritizes disadvantaged communities, while emphasizing nature-based solutions and building code enforcement.

Why the FEMA BRIC Program Matters

As the effects of climate change intensify, communities are facing unprecedented risks from natural disasters.

BRIC helps organizations build resilient infrastructure that can withstand these threats, ultimately reducing recovery costs and protecting lives. 

Benefits of the BRIC Program

  • Proactive Risk Reduction: BRIC enables communities to take action before disasters strike, reducing the need for costly recovery efforts. 
  • Long-Term Resilience: By investing in durable infrastructure and innovative solutions, BRIC helps communities become more resilient to future hazards. 
  • Cost Savings: FEMA estimates that every dollar spent on mitigation saves $6 in future disaster recovery costs. This makes BRIC a smart investment for reducing long-term risks. 
  • Community Engagement: BRIC encourages local communities to actively participate in the planning and implementation of projects, ensuring that mitigation efforts align with local needs. 

Eligibility and Application Process for FEMA BRIC Grants

Applying for BRIC funding involves several steps and requires collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies.

The application process is competitive, with FEMA prioritizing projects that demonstrate significant risk reduction benefits. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Local, State, Tribal, and Territorial Governments: Eligible applicants include municipalities, state governments, Tribal governments, and territories. 
  • Hazard Mitigation Plans: Applicants must have a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan to qualify for BRIC funding. 
  • Project Feasibility: Projects must demonstrate technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with FEMA’s resilience goals. 

Application Process

  • Develop a Mitigation Project: Identify a community hazard and develop a project plan that addresses the risk. This could involve infrastructure improvements, nature-based solutions, or both. 
  • Submit to State Hazard Mitigation Office: Local governments submit project proposals to their state or Tribal hazard mitigation office for review. 
  • FEMA Review and Selection: FEMA evaluates proposals based on technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and risk reduction potential.

FEMA BRIC Funding in Action

Seaport Coastal Resiliency Project in New York

The Historic South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan is highly vulnerable to flooding, endangering its historic infrastructure and vital services.

With a $50 million BRIC grant, the Seaport Coastal Resilience Project aims to reduce flood risks using nature-based solutions and innovative designs.

This effort, led by NYCEDC and the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resilience, will integrate flood protection into public spaces and improve waterfront access.

The project also looks to safeguard critical infrastructure while preserving the area’s cultural heritage. Once complete, it will enhance climate resilience and serve as a model for sustainable urban solutions.

Seismic Resilience in California

Cities in California successfully leveraged BRIC funding to enhance seismic resilience by retrofitting a hospital and coastal levee system with seismic upgrades.

The seismic upgrades help essential services remain operational during and after earthquakes, significantly reducing the risk of widespread damage and service disruptions. 

Such proactive investments in earthquake preparedness are a key part of the state’s broader strategy to mitigate natural disaster risks, aligning with California’s longstanding commitment to earthquake safety. 

Overcoming Challenges in BRIC Implementation

While BRIC offers significant opportunities for reducing disaster risks, there are some challenges that communities must address when applying for and managing BRIC grants.

Complex Application Process

One of the main challenges is the complexity of the BRIC application process. Communities need to demonstrate the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of their projects, which requires significant planning and expertise.

Limited Available Funding

Because BRIC is a competitive grant program, not all applicants will receive funding. Communities must carefully craft their proposals to demonstrate the greatest potential for risk reduction. 

Despite these challenges, the benefits of participating in BRIC far outweigh the obstacles. With the right planning and collaboration, communities can secure the funding needed to build safer, more resilient infrastructure. 

The Future of Resilience with FEMA BRIC

FEMA’s BRIC program represents a forward-thinking approach to disaster mitigation, providing communities with the tools and resources they need to withstand future disasters. By investing in resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and capacity building, BRIC is helping to create safer, more sustainable communities across the United States. 

Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate the FEMA BRIC process.