As our country continues to face increasing threats from natural disasters—ranging from wildfires to floods—the need for robust, proactive solutions to safeguard our communities has never been more critical. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes this urgency and is reintroducing its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program for the 2024 Fiscal Year. This program is a vital opportunity for local governments, tribes, and territories to enhance building code adoption, enforcement, and training, ultimately fostering safer and more resilient infrastructure.
What is BRIC Funding?
The BRIC program is designed to shift the federal focus from reactive disaster spending to proactive investment in community resilience. It aims to support states and local governments in reducing hazard risks while encouraging innovation and fostering partnerships. Through BRIC, FEMA provides essential funding for disaster mitigation projects that prioritize infrastructure improvements, climate resilience, and the adoption of hazard-resistant building codes.
In 2024, BRIC will facilitate several funding opportunities, including:
- State or Territory Allocation
- Tribal Set-Aside
- State or Territory Building Code Plus-Up
- Tribal Building Code Plus-Up
- National Competition
In total, FEMA is allocating over $882.6 million for the BRIC program, along with additional funding for recipient management costs, bringing the overall total for this grant cycle to nearly $1 billion. This funding presents a significant opportunity for communities to invest in the future and enhance their disaster preparedness.
Why is BRIC Important for California?
California is particularly vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. The BRIC program offers a unique chance for local governments to address these challenges head-on by investing in infrastructure that is not only resilient but also sustainable. By leveraging this funding, communities can implement innovative projects that go beyond traditional risk reduction measures.
For instance, BRIC projects may involve:
- Nature-Based Solutions: Utilizing natural systems to mitigate hazards while enhancing ecosystem health.
- Climate Resilience Initiatives: Developing infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
- Community Partnerships: Fostering collaborations between various sectors to maximize funding sources and project benefits.
Through these initiatives, the BRIC program aims to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected, infrastructure is fortified against future disasters, and communities are better prepared for extreme weather events.
ID360: Supporting Your Team with BRIC Funding
At ID360, we understand that securing funding and implementing successful projects can be a complex process. That’s where we come in. As a California-based sustainability consulting firm with over a decade of experience, we specialize in supporting organizations who are navigating the intricacies of federal and state funding, including the BRIC program. We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of green building codes, sustainability programs, and climate resilience strategies. We also have experience supporting regional energy networks and community choice aggregation efforts in California.
Navigating the BRIC funding process requires careful planning and strategic partnerships. ID360 can assist in the following ways:
- Supporting Eligible Projects: Together with our industry partners, we help organizations determine which projects align with BRIC funding priorities and develop innovative solutions that meet the program’s criteria.
- Grant Application Support: Our team will provide resources to get you through the grant application process, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order and deadlines are met.
- Technical Assistance: With our direct technical assistance programs, we can provide resource support to help with project implementation.
- Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships is key to successful BRIC projects. We can facilitate community engagement efforts to ensure all stakeholders are involved and invested in the project outcomes.
- Long-term Sustainability Planning: Beyond securing funding, we will work with your organization to develop long-term sustainability and climate action plans that align with community needs and resilience goals.
The reintroduction of the BRIC program presents a tremendous opportunity for communities to invest in their future resilience. By harnessing this funding, local governments can not only enhance their infrastructure but also protect their residents and ensure a sustainable environment for generations to come.
Contact us today to explore how we can help you achieve your sustainability goals and contribute to smarter, high-performance buildings and communities.