FEMA announces more funding for communities impacted by natural disasters, flooding

CONWAY, S.C. (WPDE) — FEMA is making $1.8 billion available for two grant programs designed to help communities increase their resilience to the impacts of climate change, flooding, including increasingly frequent and extreme weather events.

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) annual grant program is making $1 billion available for projects that protect people and infrastructure from natural hazards and the effects of climate change. The Flood Mitigation Assistance program is making $800 million available for projects that mitigate flood risks facing homes and communities across the nation.

FEMA officials said the funding for these two programs has been increased thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and this year, the landmark legislation will contribute more than $1 billion to these critical climate infrastructure and resilience programs.

In August, FEMA announced selections as part of a nearly $3 billion pool of funding for resilience projects across the country, such as upgrading water pipelines and stabilizing creek banks. More than $2.2 billion was available under the BRIC grants in 2022 due to COVID-19 major disaster declarations. Officials say funds provided through the BIL continue to show increased support for the programs.

Since taking office, President Biden has continued to provide additional funding to FEMA’s annual resilience grant programs, increasing them from $700 million when he took office to $1.8 billion for FY 23.

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Most recently, the city of Conway was awarded a BRIC grant to construct a man-made Carolina Bay in hopes of reducing further flooding within the Crabtree Canal and Swamp as was the case in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

In the past, Horry County has applied for but been denied flood mitigation assistance for the buyout program currently underway in Socastee. That program did eventually see funding through the Community Development Block Grant program.

Currently, Horry County is seeking FMA assistance to bring in nearly $1 million to assist a trio of properties that have suffered from repeat flooding outside of the Socastee buyout zone.

Federal Officials say the FMA and BRIC will be expanded in the scope of support given to communities that want to apply, but are not well-versed on what FEMA officials prioritize in the competitive application process.

"[FMA] can be used for both elevated homes, acquiring homes, doing community-wide risk reduction projects that benefit those who both have NFIP insurance, flood insurance and those who don't have insurance," said FEMA's head of Resilience Victoria Salinas.

Communities interested in submitting a request for assistance may do so from Oct. 16, 2023, through Feb. 29, 2024. FEMA will publish a new form online to streamline and simplify the submission process.

Lastly, officials said that all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories have been set aside for a maximum of $2 million each specifically committed to building code activities.