Summary
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reopened applications for a large disaster preparedness grant program. This comes after a court ruling and makes $1 billion available to help various governments and tribes strengthen their infrastructure against natural disasters.
Key Facts
- FEMA reopened applications for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.
- A federal judge ordered FEMA to make the funding available after it was canceled last year.
- The program offers $1 billion to help with projects that protect against natural disasters like fires and floods.
- Karen S. Evans, FEMA's acting leader, supports the program, stating it saves lives and reduces future disaster costs.
- The cancellation last year sparked criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
- President Donald Trump's administration has cut funding in other FEMA preparedness programs.
- It has been a year since President Trump approved any requests for hazard mitigation funding following disaster declarations.
