Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has successfully secured a federal court order restoring the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, a congressionally mandated funding source that had been terminated by FEMA. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is now accepting project proposals from communities across the state to prepare for future disasters.

The victory comes weeks after a federal court ruled that the termination of the congressionally mandated program was unlawful, and on March 6, 2026, the court ordered FEMA to reverse the termination and make funding available as required by law. Nessel joined a coalition of states in securing the court order to restore the program.

"Every dollar FEMA spends on mitigation saves $6 in post-disaster costs," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. "By securing these court orders, we've cleared the way for critical BRIC funding to flow back into our state, allowing the Michigan State Police to resume the work of fortifying our communities against natural disasters. I look forward to seeing the life-saving impact of this next round of proposals."

The announcement follows devastating tornadoes that struck southwest Michigan on March 6, 2026. Four tornadoes with intensities ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 impacted communities near Edwardsburg, Cass County, Three Rivers, Union City, and Branch County, claiming four lives and causing widespread destruction. The tornadoes damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses, overturned vehicles, and sheared trees, leaving communities to face the dual challenge of immediate recovery and long-term resilience building.

The BRIC program provides federal funding to support hazard mitigation projects designed to reduce or eliminate future property damage and loss of life from natural hazards, including floods, tornadoes and severe storms. The program prioritizes infrastructure and construction projects that deliver measurable risk reduction and strengthen community resilience.

"For working families, these grants are essential tools to protect their homes and communities," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "BRIC funding provides communities the opportunity to take proactive steps to reduce risk before disaster strikes. By investing in infrastructure and mitigation now, we help protect lives, safeguard critical services and ensure Michigan communities grow stronger and more resilient for the future."

FEMA has selected nearly 2,000 projects nationwide totaling approximately $4.5 billion in BRIC funding over the past several years. In Michigan, 22 projects have been selected in recent years, totaling more than $19 million in federal funding.

The fiscal year 2025 funding includes three categories:

  • Hazard Mitigation Projects — Nationally competitive funding for cost-effective infrastructure and construction projects designed to increase resilience and public safety and reduce damage to property and critical facilities. Only projects with at least a conceptual design are eligible; phased projects are not eligible.
  • Building Code Plus-Up — Funding to support the adoption and enforcement of current hazard-resistant building codes, including evaluation, adoption and workforce development activities related to building codes.
  • State Allocation Funding — Funding available to each state for smaller-scale hazard mitigation projects and project scoping for future infrastructure mitigation efforts.

Most grants are funded with a 75% federal share and a 25% non-federal match. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division serves as the applicant for the State of Michigan and coordinates emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation activities across the state. Eligible subapplicants include state agencies, federally recognized tribal governments and local governments.

The program was canceled in April 2025 by then-acting FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton, who called it "wasteful and ineffective." The cancellation was challenged by a coalition of states and the District of Columbia, who argued that the program was congressionally mandated and essential for disaster preparedness.

In December 2025, a federal court ruled that the termination of the congressionally mandated program was unlawful. The court acknowledged that "staffing shortages resulting from layoffs and the current budgetary freeze" played a role in the slow resumption of the program.

On March 6, the court granted further relief, ordering FEMA to take steps to reverse the termination and make funding available as required by law. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of states in securing the court order to restore the program.

"Today's order is a reminder that the law is not optional — even for the federal government," said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D), one of the states that secured the court order.

The BRIC program will operate with some new rules. The administration has removed funding for hazard mitigation planning and non-financial direct technical assistance provisions. The program now maximizes state and local responsibility for resilience and risk reduction rather than federal investing in a wide range of activities.

"The program now prioritizes infrastructure resilience by funding construction projects ready to implement and by adopting the latest hazard-resistant building codes," stated FEMA. "This is a proven strategy to protect communities and reduce future disaster losses."

Applications are open until July 23, 2026. States, territories, the District of Columbia, and Tribal Nations can apply, with local governments and special districts eligible subapplicants.

The BRIC program restoration is particularly significant for Michigan, which has faced increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events. The state's recent tornado outbreak claimed four lives and caused extensive damage in southwest Michigan, highlighting the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and community preparedness.

Michigan families have lost loved ones, homes and businesses to the March tornadoes. While Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency and requested federal disaster declaration assistance, the BRIC program provides a longer-term solution by enabling communities to invest in resilience that prevents future disaster losses.

"I look forward to seeing the life-saving impact of this next round of proposals," Nessel said. By securing these court orders, Michigan has cleared the way for critical funding to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters while building resilience against future threats.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division serves as the applicant for the State of Michigan and coordinates emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation activities across the state. For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, residents can visit MIREADY and follow MSP/EMHSD on social media.

This legal victory demonstrates Michigan's commitment to protecting its communities through legal action and advocacy, ensuring that critical federal programs remain available to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.