LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 20 states in suing the Trump administration over its decision to shut down a program part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
BRIC program.
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program was “designed to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike,” according to the press release. The program funds the fortification of infrastructure against natural disasters.
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“Michigan has seen in recent years just how devastating severe storms and flooding can be,” Nessel said. “The BRIC program has proven effective at protecting lives and strengthening infrastructure before disasters strike. Shutting it down is not only unlawful but – as the recent tragedy in Texas makes all too clear – recklessly dangerous. It undermines the ability of communities to prepare for, withstand, and recover from future weather threats. I will continue to stand up for Michiganders against such illegal and irresponsible actions by the Trump Administration.”
FEMA’s response.
But FEMA called the BRIC program “yet another example of a wasteful and ineffective” program that was “more concerned with political agendas,” in an April 4 press release.
Michigan projects.
Through the BRIC program, FEMA awarded over $900,000 at the start of the year to the city of Detroit. According to the Jan. 22 FEMA press release, the money was meant to be used for designing a flood mitigation project on Detroit’s west side to help with flooding issues in the downtown area.
Unless other funding can be located, the open projects in Michigan will terminate, according to the Michigan press release.
In the lawsuit, the attorneys general are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Trump Administration from using BRIC funds for other purposes. The attorneys general are also seeking a permanent injunction to reverse the termination of the program and to require the restoration of these funds.