Michigan Opens Federal Disaster Preparedness Grants After Court Order Restores Program

Michigan communities facing natural disasters from floods, tornadoes and severe storms now have access to federal funding through a newly reopened grant program. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division announced the opening of the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, grant cycle for fiscal year 2025.

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. The program prioritizes infrastructure and construction projects that deliver measurable risk reduction and strengthen community resilience.

"It's about being proactive, before disaster strikes, and doing so has proven to reduce long-term risks. It can save money and protect communities long-term," said MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer Clayton Cummins.

The announcement follows a significant legal victory. In December 2025, a federal court ruled that the termination of the congressionally mandated BRIC program was unlawful. On March 6, 2026, 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.

"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."

Grant History and Scope

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

For fiscal year 2025, BRIC 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 MSP/EMHSD serves as the applicant for the State of Michigan. Eligible subapplicants include state agencies, federally recognized tribal governments and local governments.

The MSP/EMHSD coordinates emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation activities across the state and works closely with local, tribal, state and federal partners to help protect Michigan residents and communities.

Application Deadlines

The application period opened on March 25, 2026, and will run for 120 days. The deadline to submit applications is July 23, 2026.

The first step for a municipality to apply is to fill out a notice of intent form. That must be completed and submitted by April 29.

Eligible applicants must apply through FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO). The full notice of funding opportunity is published on Grants.gov.

Why BRIC Matters for Michigan

Michigan communities face increasing risks from severe weather events, from flooding along the Great Lakes to tornadoes and severe storms. The BRIC program empowers states, local governments, Tribal Nations, and territories to make smart investments in resilient infrastructure.

By supporting pre-disaster and hazard mitigation projects — such as school safe rooms, utility hardening, relocating critical facilities out of flood areas, and securing pump stations — BRIC aims to save lives, protect property, and reduce the cost of future disaster response and recovery.

Every dollar spent on mitigation before a disaster strikes saves multiple dollars in post-disaster recovery costs. The program recognizes the growing risks to communities and the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities that promote resilience.

The Michigan State Police has been the lead agency for state-level BRIC applications, coordinating with local governments and tribal nations to identify projects that deliver the greatest risk reduction. The agency works with communities to prepare before, during and after emergencies, ensuring that Michigan residents have the resources they need to stay safe.

Contact Information

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, residents can visit MIREADY and follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook.

Media inquiries should be directed to Clayton Cummins, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, at 517-730-8818 or CumminsC3@michigan.gov.