Michigan State Police Opens Federal BRIC Grant Program to Help Communities Prepare for Natural Disasters

Michigan Communities Get New Federal Funding Opportunity to Build Disaster Resilience

LANSING — The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division announced on April 2 the opening of a new federal grant program designed to help Michigan communities prepare for and mitigate damage from natural disasters.

The program is FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant cycle for fiscal year 2025, which is now seeking project proposals from eligible applicants across the state. The grants provide federal funding to support hazard mitigation projects aimed at reducing or eliminating future property damage and loss of life from natural hazards including floods, tornadoes and severe storms.

"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 Clayton Cummins, Michigan State Police/EMHSD Public Information Officer.

The BRIC Program Restored After Legal Battle

The announcement follows a significant federal court order requiring the restoration of the BRIC program. In December 2025, a federal court ruled that the termination of the congressionally mandated 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."

Funding Categories and Eligibility

For fiscal year 2025, the BRIC funding includes three categories:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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/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.

Historical Funding in Michigan

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.

Application Deadline

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.

Broader Context

The Michigan State Police and Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division serves as the state's primary emergency management agency, coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation activities across the state. The division works closely with local, tribal, state and federal partners to help protect Michigan residents and communities from a wide range of disasters and emergencies.

The BRIC grant program represents another important tool in Michigan's disaster preparedness arsenal. By helping communities invest in infrastructure and mitigation before disasters strike, the program aims to reduce the human and economic impact of natural hazards that pose significant risks to Michigan's diverse geography, from flooding in river valleys to tornadoes in the Great Lakes region to severe storms in winter months.

The announcement comes as Michigan continues to face increasing climate-related challenges, with more frequent and intense weather events requiring stronger preparedness and response capabilities. State officials have emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to build community resilience against these growing threats.

About the Michigan State Police

The Michigan State Police is the state police agency for Michigan, responsible for enforcing state laws across the state's 83 counties. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division serves as the state director of emergency management and homeland security, coordinating state-level emergency preparedness and response activities.

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, Michigan residents are encouraged to visit MIREADY and follow the Michigan State Police/EMHSD on social media platforms including X and Facebook.