Salem, Oregon- The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is assessing the statewide impact following the April 4 announcement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) canceling the fiscal year 2024 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program.
The decision, outlined in a memo by Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, also initiates a review of BRIC programs from fiscal years 2020 through 2023. An updated advisory issued April 16 confirmed that all FY 2024 BRIC applications would be disregarded, with no funds awarded. Applications from previous years with undisbursed funds will have those resources returned to the Disaster Relief Fund or the U.S. Treasury.
The BRIC program was designed to help communities build resilience to natural disasters. Projects typically supported by BRIC include infrastructure improvements like flood mitigation systems, seismic upgrades, and other disaster-resistant developments. FEMA’s decision does not currently affect the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program.
OEM stated that the cancellation will directly impact numerous projects across Oregon. These include projects selected but not yet awarded, which will no longer receive funding. Ongoing projects could face delays or termination, and administrative funding may be withdrawn. Without extensions or additional support, communities may see delays or cancellations in planned infrastructure designed to reduce disaster risk.
“These decisions will significantly impact communities across Oregon working to reduce disaster risk and invest in safer, more resilient infrastructure,” said Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. “We are actively working with federal and state legislators to communicate these financial impacts and with FEMA partners to gain clarity on next steps and timelines. I have directed my team to conduct our own review to see what projects may fit within other Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants through federal partners that are currently funded like the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant or other state grant programs.”
The total federal share of affected BRIC projects in Oregon amounts to $140 million, with a local matching share of $90 million. Eight of the 26 projects have already incurred a combined $8 million in sunk costs.
During remarks to the media, Governor Tina Kotek said, “These are bipartisan or nonpartisan community projects that everybody supports. I have not heard one rationale from the Trump Administration as to why they cancelled the BRIC grants.” Her comments referenced a grant-funded project in Mapleton focused on upgrades to the town’s water infrastructure.
Details on Eight Projects with Sunk Costs:
City of Port Orford – Utility and Infrastructure Protection Project
• Addresses vulnerabilities in the city’s drinking water system.
Federal Share: $6,566,537 Local Share: $691,214 Sunk Cost: $273,350
Medford Water Commission – Infrastructure Improvements (RVWSRP)
• Enhances water system resilience to seismic and weather-related threats.
Federal Share: $34,806,505 Local Share: $14,516,834 Sunk Cost: $1,875,370
City of Grants Pass – Water Treatment Plant Relocation
• Relocates facility outside flood zones to prevent system failure.
Federal Share: $50,000,000 Local Share: $60,800,302 Sunk Cost: $5,000,000
City of Astoria/Clatsop County – Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Refuge Structure
• Integrated with Columbia Memorial Hospital expansion.
Federal Share: $13,897,122 Local Share: $5,955,909 Sunk Cost: $817,846
Oregon Department of Land Conservation & Development – Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans
• Updates plans for Burns Paiute Tribe, Columbia and Umatilla Counties.
Federal Share: $488,653 Local Share: $152,704 Sunk Cost: $8,347
Oregon Military Department – OEM FY2021 Grant Management
Federal Share: $488,257 Sunk Cost (General Fund): $39,500
Oregon Military Department – OEM FY2022 Grant Management
Federal Share: $19,695,731 Sunk Cost (General Fund): $73,141
Oregon Military Department – OEM FY2023 Grant Partnership Costs
Federal Share: $1,261,848 Sunk Cost (General Fund): $79,029
OEM remarks they are continuing to work with federal partners to determine options for redirecting these efforts through other available grant mechanisms.
Source: OEM
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