After an uncertain 2025, FEMA has reopened its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, with changes that reshape both what funding is available and how communities can access it. The updated Notice of Funding Opportunity signals a shift toward faster implementation, less federal review, and a stronger emphasis on projects that are ready to build, or “shovel-ready.”

BRIC now prioritizes shovel-ready infrastructure projects, requiring at least conceptual design and favoring those closer to construction. While this supports near-term risk reduction, it also advantages communities able to advance projects without grant funding. The elimination of phased projects further streamlines implementation but reduces flexibility for larger, more complex efforts.

 

 

At the same time, planning activities, including Hazard Mitigation Plans, are no longer eligible for funding, despite remaining a requirement for application. This creates an additional barrier for communities that must secure alternative funding and complete planning work before they can compete.
Programmatic changes extend to the review process as well. FEMA has simplified scoring and removed sub application scoring at the national level, reducing review layers and potentially accelerating decisions. However, this may limit the evaluation of project nuance while increasing state and local influence over funding priorities. New post-award termination provisions also introduce additional uncertainty.

 

Overall, BRIC is evolving into a more streamlined, implementation-focused program. These changes reinforce advantages for applicants with more advanced project development while creating additional barriers for communities still building capacity.

 

Brizaga’s team is ready to support our partners as they move towards implementable, grant-ready projects. Reach out to Grace Filmont to set up a time to discuss your project and how BRIC might be an option for your community.

CONTACT: Grace Filmont