Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
2023 BRIC grant NOFO is out. All applications will need to be submitted in FEMAGO no later than close of business on February 2, 2024. Have questions? Contact Ashley Paulsrud at 307-777-4907 or by email at ashley.paulsrud@wyo.gov
FEMA understands that the effort necessary to demonstrate cost-effectiveness for projects can increase the burden on subapplicants, particularly those with limited access to resources. Streamlining the process shows FEMA's commitment to deliver its hazard mitigation programs with equity and supports building capacity and capability in underserved and at-risk communities.
The guidance establishes pre-calculated benefit values to reduce the time and resources needed to complete and review cost-effectiveness for hospital generators, acquisitions, and elevation projects. In addition, it aims to increase the availability of mitigation opportunities to help communities increase resilience against future disasters.
The Benefit Cost Analysis Helpline hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Email questions to bchelpline@fema.dhs.gov or call toll free at 855-540-6744.
For more information about guidance on acquisitions, elevation and hospital generator projects, view the memorandums, Pre-Calculated Benefits for Certain Hospital Generators to Demonstrate Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness Determinations for Acquisitions and Elevations in Special Flood Hazard Areas Using Pre-Calculated Benefits, on FEMA’s website.
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes federal funds available through the new Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities (BRIC) grant program to states, local communities, tribes and territories (SLTTs) for pre-disaster mitigation activities.
BRIC is a new FEMA pre-disaster hazard mitigation program that replaces the existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act, Section 1234; amended Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) and authorizes BRIC.
The BRIC priorities are to:
incentivize public infrastructure projects;
incentivize projects that mitigate risk to one or more lifelines;
incentivize projects that incorporate nature-based solutions; and,
incentivize adoption and enforcement of modern building codes.
FEMA has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the BRIC grant program. FEMA encourages reviewing the BRIC NOFO before applying, as it provides detailed program information and other grant application and administration requirements.