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Reps. Pettersen, Bonamici Lead 58 Members in Calling on FEMA to Address Harmful Impact of Halting Critical Disaster Preparedness Program

Program provides billions in federal funding to bolster natural disaster prevention efforts

Washington, April 15, 2025

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), led 58 of their colleagues in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Senior Official Performing the Duties of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton expressing deep concern over the reckless attempt to terminate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and the risk that halting approved BRIC projects poses to vulnerable communities. 

The BRIC program plays a critical role in supporting pre-disaster mitigation and strengthening community resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters. In Colorado, where wildfires have burned over 1.5 million acres in the last 25 years, BRIC funding has been used to upgrade infrastructure, modernize water systems, and reduce wildfire risks in high-threat areas. BRIC saves lives, protects homes and schools, and reduces the devastating costs of recovery.

In a letter, the Members shared: “Across our districts, natural disasters are no longer confined to a ‘season’; instead, the risks persist throughout the year, and it’s critical to prepare our communities as we learn to live with worsening natural disasters. Building resilient communities is an undeniable role of the federal government, and the unlawful termination of BRIC abandons our commitment to the communities that we serve.”

The Members continued: “The urgent and timely need for action on natural disaster preparedness and mitigation cannot be overstated. Any delay in funding and implementation of critical programs threatens the safety and resilience of our communities. 

The Members are demanding the following:

  • A list of approved BRIC projects that will not receive funding after April 4, 2025, including key project details.
  • Guidance for project sponsors on how to draw down remaining funds and finalize contracts.
  • FEMA's current strategy for addressing wildfire readiness and community preparedness goals.
  • A timeline for resuming the implementation and disbursement of BRIC funding.

Full text of the letter can be found HERE.