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FEMA BRIC pause raises uncertainty for Sutter bypass repair and other projects
Summary
Agency staff told the board that the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program has been paused — and may be dismantled — which could jeopardize $50 million in anticipated funding for a Sutter bypass repair project targeted for 2027 and affect other regional projects including a Calpine DOE grant.
Agency staff told the board at its April 9 meeting that federal changes to the FEMA BRIC program could affect several regional projects that relied on planned BRIC awards.
Executive Director Michael Bessette said the agency learned from news reports the day after bids opened on the Tudor project that FEMA had put BRIC on pause. He said the agency is working through Congressman Doug LaMalfa's office and state partners to learn details; staff reported they were receiving mixed reports, including information that the program could be "totally dismantled."
Why it matters: BRIC was a major federal source for resilience projects nationwide. The board heard that a $50 million award the agency had targeted for a five-mile Sutter bypass repair (planned for 2027) was at risk if BRIC funding does not proceed. Staff also said they were tracking separate federal funding concerns raised by other entities, including a $270 million Department of Energy grant for a Calpine carbon-capture project.
What agency staff said - Bessette said the agency is in "constant communications with Congressman LaMalfa's office" and working with the state Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the Department of Water Resources and regional partners. - He described collateral impacts: "There was two other Agencies that were in line for, you know, considerable funding from the program that they're not going to be able to build their projects if they don't get that funding." He said the situation could delay or jeopardize projects that were relying on BRIC funds.
Local projects mentioned - Sutter bypass repair: staff said the agency had targeted $50 million in BRIC funding for a five-mile repair project and that timing (targeted for 2027) is now uncertain. - Calpine carbon-capture: staff said Calpine is concerned about a $270 million DOE grant that could be affected by broader federal funding changes; agency staff said they were coordinating with Calpine and the congressman's office.
Board reaction and next steps Board and staff discussed outreach to federal and state representatives and the need to explore alternate funding paths. Staff said it would continue to update the board as information becomes available.
What staff did not say Staff reported they were still awaiting clear guidance from federal and state offices and did not present a confirmed cancellation or replacement plan for BRIC at the meeting.
Source quotes - Michael Bessette, executive director: "We're trying to figure out exactly what that means. I've been in constant communications with Congressman LaMalfa's office to get a better understanding of what the status is. We're hearing that the BRIC program is going to be totally dismantled."
