Congresswoman Randall Demands Answers on FEMA’s Termination of BRIC Program
BRIC is the opposite of a “wasteful and ineffective” program – it is a preventative necessity.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06) is demanding answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding their April 4, 2025 announcement to terminate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and cancellation of all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023.
As a result of the Trump Administration’s decision to terminate the BRIC program, multiple counties in Washington’s 6th District stand to lose funding. Most significantly, Grays Harbor County alone will lose nearly $100 million. Folks in Hoquiam and Aberdeen, who have been working on a crucial levee project for almost a decade, are at risk of losing $87 million in funding for a project that would reduce the risks from a 500-year flood at approximately 2,000 properties, 360 businesses, and critical infrastructure (including schools, the city hall, the police department, fire station, and social security office) in west Hoquiam.
Congresswoman Randall wrote in a letter of inquiry:
“I shouldn’t have to tell this Administration the impact that this reckless decision will have on communities like mine. This isn’t just politics — this decision impacts real people’s lives. The hard-working people across the country who are relying on this program to prepare for increasingly frequent natural disasters are being abandoned.
“This program was created in 2020 during President Trump’s first term with bipartisan support and is designed to help states, Tribes, and local governments prepare for natural disasters. BRIC is the opposite of a 'wasteful and ineffective' program – it is a preventative necessity.
“For these communities, this funding is life-changing, and life-saving. I’ve heard from constituents who are struggling to pay for the flood insurance they are required to have in a flood zone, who are counting on the levee project to ensure a safer and more cost-effective life.”
In addition to the Hoquiam/Aberdeen project, the Quinault Tribal Nation, communities in Bainbridge Island, communities in Westport and Ocean Shores in Grays Harbor County are also at risk of having their projects terminated.
In her letter, Congresswoman Randall requested a meeting with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Administrator of FEMA Cameron Hamilton. Read the full letter here. On April 16th, after Congresswoman Randall sent out her letter, FEMA sent out an additional notice outlining additional criteria they will be using to terminate projects.