Representatives Shomari C. from Alabama and Chuck Edwards from North Carolina have introduced a bipartisan initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure and community resilience through the BRIC program.
“This bipartisan bill ensures that rural communities and those affected by natural disasters will have improved access to essential funds for bolstering critical infrastructure,” the lawmakers stated. “It highlights the pressing need to direct disaster relief to the areas that require it the most.”
The proposed legislation shifts from the current competitive grant model to a distribution method based on a formula. A third of the funds will be allocated equally among all states, another third will be distributed according to population, while the last third will target states most at risk for natural disasters like hurricanes and severe storms.
Edwards referenced the destruction brought by Hurricane Helen, which struck western North Carolina on September 27, 2024.
“Since Hurricane Helen hit western North Carolina, it’s been clear how vital BRIC funding is for community infrastructure. The current distribution is quite unfair, particularly for rural regions,” Edwards commented. “That’s why we’re proud to work on reforming this bipartisan law with fellow lawmakers to enhance the BRIC program. This legislation aims to make BRIC funding more accessible and effective by promoting fair distribution and better support for local governments.”
Areas like the Alabama Black Belt and mountain towns in North Carolina have experienced devastating flooding and infrastructure collapse due to Helen. Yet, the existing competitive grant model has been a significant barrier. Despite the storm causing an estimated $5.96 billion in damages, some counties received minimal or no assistance from FEMA, which underscores the urgency for these reforms.
“We appreciate the lawmakers’ efforts to advance legislation that helps low-capacity regions access essential hazard mitigation funds,” stated Sarah Edwards, legislative counsel for the Southern Environmental Law Centre. “While FEMA’s BRIC program promotes cost-effective projects across the nation, it’s crucial to empower small and medium-sized communities to access these resources and implement key risk reduction measures.”
The BRIC Act has garnered bipartisan support, with backing from organizations like the National Association of County, Buildstrong America, and the Alabama Association of Emergency Administrators.
Momentum for change has grown since FEMA suspended its BRIC program in April 2025, which left important rural projects, such as upgrades to North Carolina’s wastewater systems, in a state of uncertainty. The agency indicated that it was shifting to a new funding model, but critics argue this decision leaves small communities without resources to rebuild or prepare for future disasters.
The American Society of Civil Engineering’s 2025 Infrastructure Report echoes these concerns, noting that rural and mountainous areas often have difficulties securing funding for essential projects like bridges and roads, facing significant challenges to recovery.
The BRIC Act is currently under review by the House Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. If it passes, a counterpart measure will need to be introduced in the Senate before it can become law.
Numbers and Edwards emphasize that their legislation aims to ensure fairness and preparedness so that communities aren’t left behind when the next disaster strikes. They’re hopeful that Congress will come to an agreement.
