Federal actions and administrative reviews have frozen roughly $182 million in FEMA BRIC funding and another $31 million in disaster‑prevention grants for Washington state, leaving levees, buyouts and other flood‑mitigation projects on hold. Recent atmospheric‑river storms forced at least 1,300 rescues, killed one person and flooded thousands of homes, demonstrating the urgent need for pre‑disaster investments. Washington and more than 20 states won a court ruling against the BRIC cancellation, but the timing and release of funds remain uncertain.
Federal Flood-Mitigation Grants for Washington Remain Frozen as Atmospheric Rivers Devastate Communities
A drone view shows an area flooded by the Snoqualmie River as an atmospheric river brought rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Fall City, Wash., Dec. 9. (David Ryder / Reuters)
Washington state officials say a recent string of powerful atmospheric‑river storms underscores the need for proactive flood protection — yet tens of millions in federal mitigation grants that would fund levees, home elevations and buyouts remain stalled by federal actions and administrative delays.
In an aerial view, a person stands atop of property engulfed by floodwater on Sunday, in Snohomish, Wash. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images)
Federal Funding Held Up
Earlier in 2024, the administration sought to cancel about $182 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, jeopardizing 27 projects in Washington and prompting a multi‑state lawsuit. Separately, Tim Cook, Washington’s state hazard mitigation officer, says roughly $31 million in disaster‑prevention grants have been awaiting approval under a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review policy that requires senior sign‑off.
Neighbors work to clear a drain on Dec. 12, in Burlington, Wash. (Natalie Behring / Getty Images)
Storm Impacts Highlight Stakes
The recent atmospheric‑river storms prompted at least 1,300 rescues and assisted evacuations, killed one person and flooded thousands of homes across the state. Atmospheric rivers funnel tropical Pacific moisture into the region and can appear on radar like concentrated water 'hoses.' Experts and local officials warn that climate change — which shifts precipitation from snow to heavier rain and intensifies storms — will make such flooding more frequent and severe.
A sign for a Christmas tree farm is pictured as flood waters from the Snohomish River cover Marsh Road off State Route 9 in Snohomish, Wash., on Dec. 11. (Jason Redmond / AFP via Getty Images)
Local Projects Left in Limbo
Washington’s BRIC allocation included roughly $182 million for 27 mitigation projects. On the coast, the funds would have supported miles of earthen levees, concrete floodwalls and raised roadways to protect Hoquiam and Aberdeen; nearly $98 million was earmarked for those systems, and state and local governments had already invested more than $31 million in design and pre‑construction work. Officials say the project could save residents about $5 million a year in construction and insurance costs.
Neighborhood volunteers help fill sandbags for downtown businesses along the Skagit River in Mount Vernon, Wash., on Dec. 12. (Jason Redmond / AFP via Getty Images)
BRIC delays also slowed a Pierce County plan to buy out a flood‑prone mobile home park and relocate residents; floodwaters reached some structures there during the latest storms. In Orting, south of Seattle, a canceled BRIC award put a proposed setback levee on hold — the town’s existing levee came within inches of being overtopped, and the mayor warned of imminent failure if upgrades aren’t completed.
A vehicle drives past a flooded neighborhood on Tuesday, in Snohomish, Wash. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images)
Buyouts and Preventive Programs
One stalled grant — roughly $18.8 million of the $31 million awaiting DHS approval — was intended to acquire or elevate properties that have flooded at least twice in a decade. Washington identified about 530 candidate parcels across every county for voluntary buyouts to convert into open‑space buffers. State officials say buyouts and home elevations typically take many months to a year, so they would not have prevented damage in the most recent storms, but they remain crucial to reducing long‑term risk.
April Grant salvages belongings from her home on Monday after it flooded during last week's downpour, in Sumas, Wash. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images)
Legal Fight and Uncertainty
Washington and more than 20 other states sued to block the BRIC cancellation; the states won a summary judgment, but the funds have not yet been released. State officials and local leaders say it’s unclear whether the federal government will appeal or when the money will flow. FEMA and DHS did not provide comments when contacted; a White House official referred inquiries to DHS.
“This event — and the one coming whenever in the future — reinforces the importance of investing in pre‑disaster mitigation efforts to reduce damages,” said Tim Cook, Washington’s state hazard mitigation officer. He added that the National Institute of Building Sciences estimates every dollar invested in pre‑disaster mitigation can save roughly six dollars in future costs.
Outlook
Local officials say continued delays put communities at greater financial and safety risk as climate‑driven storms grow more frequent. While court rulings have restored some legal standing to BRIC funding, uncertainty about disbursement timing and additional administrative reviews means many projects remain on hold — and communities remain vulnerable to the next flood.
Reporting based on state court filings, statements from Washington officials and interviews with local leaders and emergency‑management spokespeople.
