Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced the cancellation of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, which provides disaster prevention aid to municipalities throughout the nation. As a result, $90 million in federal funds will be revoked from Massachusetts, impacting 18 communities, a regional planning commission, and two state agencies.
“The BRIC program was established by Congress in 2018, during the first Trump Administration, to reduce the hazard risk of communities confronting natural disasters. Seven years ago, this program was hailed as a critical tool for local municipalities during their time of need. Now, it is being described as a ‘wasteful, politicized grant program.’ This is yet another example of the chaotic decision-making that has been a hallmark of this administration, in addition to their continued blatant disregard for the congressional spending power under Article I of the Constitution.
“As former Mayor of Springfield, I know firsthand the critical role federal funding plays in responding to disasters and making our communities more resilient. Massachusetts has been ravaged by severe flooding and wildfires in recent years, and this funding would have provided much-needed assistance to at-risk communities that don’t have the means to bear the full cost of these projects. Now, these municipalities will have to account for the difference, leading to increased costs for residents and businesses – a common theme for this administration.”
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