FEMA backlog causes delays in California infrastructure projects
Summary
FEMA has not approved pending California projects funded through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program this year, delaying more than $191 million in work to reduce disaster risks. California has more pending BRIC projects than any other state, while a federal report put the nationwide backlog at $2.2 billion.Key Facts
- BRIC funds projects designed to reduce damage from hazards such as floods, earthquakes, fires and landslides.
- The Trump administration canceled BRIC in March 2025; after California and 19 other states sued, a federal judge ordered FEMA to continue the program in spring 2026.
- Although FEMA announced BRIC’s reinstatement, California emergency management sources say the agency has not approved any pending state projects this year and payments for previously approved projects are slow.
- A Government Accountability Office report released in September put the nationwide project backlog at $2.2 billion.
- Some California communities have abandoned projects because delays and rising costs made them difficult to complete.
- A pending $15 million flood-control project in San Bernardino County was first submitted in 2022 and remains in design, according to the county.
- Some counties are also waiting for FEMA reimbursements for disaster mitigation work, and sources say the delays are straining rural budgets.
- Emergency management sources say FEMA has significantly reduced staff handling California projects, which could cause further delays.
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