FEMA Rolls Out New Resilience Program
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is rolling out an important new program entitled Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), which replaces the existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation program. It will support states, local communities, tribes and territories, as they undertake hazard mitigation projects to reduce the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. Its guiding principles are supporting communities through capability- and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency. FEMA anticipates releasing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the program this fall.
FEMA is holding a series of public engagement webinars in July to discuss key elements of the BRIC program. The sessions are geared toward leaders in states, local communities, tribes and territories, as well as private sector entities, private non-profit organizations, and other interested parties. The webinars are being held each Wednesday in July from 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern. They will be recorded and made available online. Information on the BRIC program and the summer engagement webinars is available on the website.
The BRIC program is a potentially important new source of support for state and local efforts to prepare for, respond to, and minimize impacts from disasters and natural hazards. Cities Initiative staff are following the new program closely and will look for opportunities to inform and engage its member cities and assist them in accessing the program to address critical issues such as coastal erosion, flooding, and impacts for severe weather events.