Current as of: December 17, 2024
Disaster preparedness and climate resilience are critical priorities for city leaders due to the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act include several funding streams that cities can access to strengthen their infrastructure; better prepare for extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods; keep residents safe; and minimize economic damage. Below is information about four such programs that may be of interest to mayors and city leaders.
PROTECT: Surface transportation resilience
Program description: The PROTECT (Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation) program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is designed to enhance the resilience of surface transportation infrastructure against the growing threats posed by climate change and extreme weather events. With a focus on protecting critical transportation networks, the program provides funding to state and local governments to improve the resilience of roads, bridges, rail systems, and ports.
Website: PROTECT program at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Current status and remaining funding: $2.8 billion in advance funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law currently remain in the PROTECT program. USDOT released a PROTECT FY2024-26 Notice of Funding Opportunity in Fall 2024. The application period for FY2024-25 closes February 24, 2025. As of now, pending changes made by the new administration, the FY2026 application window is set for October 27, 2025-February 24, 2026.
Relevant Local Infrastructure Hub resources: LIH PROTECT landing page.
BRIC: Proactive resilience planning and projects
Program description: The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments for projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of infrastructure and communities to natural hazards. Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), BRIC focuses on proactive mitigation strategies to reduce the impacts of disasters before they occur, rather than just responding to emergencies after the fact. The program supports projects like flood control systems, wildfire mitigation efforts, and the reinforcement of critical infrastructure like power grids and water systems.
Website: BRIC program home page.
Current status and remaining funding: Pending any changes made by the incoming administration, BRIC has $1 billion remaining for 3 additional funding rounds. The FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity has not yet been released.
Relevant Local Infrastructure Hub resources: LIH BRIC landing page
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants: Address risks and build back after a natural disaster
Program description: The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), administered by FEMA, provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to implement projects that reduce the long-term risk of disaster damage and loss of life after a major disaster declaration from the President. The program provides grants for a range of projects, including developing and adopting hazard mitigation plans, and construction and retrofits to make buildings more resistant to floods, earthquakes, wind, wildfire and other natural hazards.
Website: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program main site; program also includes funding specifically for post-fire grants.
Current status and remaining funding: Funds are made available after a major disaster declaration from the President.
FEMA Flood Mitigation Grant Program: Reduce Flood Risk
Program description: The Flood Mitigation Assistance program provides competitive grants for reducing and eliminating flood risk, specifically in places insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Website: Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program.
Current status and remaining funding: Awaiting an FY2024 flood mitigation grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity. Approximately $800 million was available in the FY2023 application.
Relevant Local Infrastructure Hub resources: LIH Flood Mitigation Assistance landing page.
Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program
Program description: The Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program is a competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service designed to help communities reduce wildfire risk by developing and revising Community Wildfire Protection Plans, and implementing projects described in up-to-date plans. Communities can use this tool to determine whether they are eligible to apply for funding.
Website: Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program
Current status and remaining funding: Funding is currently available; applications due February 28, 2025. There are separate applications for Southern, Northeast and Midwest, and Western states.
Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants
Program description: The Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants provide support to local governments and other eligible entities for habitat restoration projects that enhance the climate resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities. For the purposes of this grant program, the definition of “coastal” includes coastal shoreline, coastal watersheds along inland rivers and streams with a significant impact on coastal ecosystems, estuaries, and the Great Lakes.
Website: Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants
Current status and remaining funding: Current funding opportunity open, with $100 million in funding available. Applications are due Apr 16, 2025.