Attorney General Kwame Raoul, together with attorneys general from 22 other states and two governors, has asked the District Court of Massachusetts to enforce its order requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to restore the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC). The motion seeks to compel FEMA to make billions in disaster preparedness funding available that was previously cut.
The BRIC program, established over three decades ago, provides resources for communities nationwide to strengthen infrastructure against natural disasters. The program focuses on mitigation and resilience efforts, aiming to save lives and reduce costs related to disaster recovery. According to a recent study, every dollar spent by FEMA on mitigation through BRIC saves an average of six dollars in post-disaster expenses.
“Congress appropriated funding to the BRIC program because of the important role it plays in protecting property, reducing injuries and saving lives before natural disasters strike,” Raoul said. “Our coalition filed a lawsuit because the Trump administration’s attempt to end the program was unlawful, and the court agreed. The separation of powers and the rule of law still matter in our democracy. This administration must abide by the court’s order and restore this vital program to prepare for disasters and protect our communities.”
In July 2025, Raoul joined a coalition that filed suit after FEMA announced plans to terminate BRIC—a move that delayed or canceled hundreds of projects across the country dependent on this funding. In December 2025, a federal court ruled that ending BRIC was unlawful and ordered FEMA to reverse its decision promptly. More than two months later, state officials say there is no indication that FEMA has complied with this directive.
Regional FEMA offices reportedly lack information about when or if BRIC will resume. Some have indicated that FEMA is taking a “wait and see” approach rather than following the court’s order. State officials say there is no evidence of any concrete steps taken by FEMA toward restoring BRIC.
Raoul’s coalition now asks the court for enforcement measures: requiring FEMA to release pre-disaster mitigation funds as mandated by law; update states on current project statuses; notify stakeholders about reversing termination; and file status reports detailing actions taken or planned for compliance.
BRIC supports projects such as building evacuation shelters, flood walls, safeguarding utilities against disasters, protecting water infrastructure, and strengthening bridges or roadways. Over four years, nearly 2,000 projects have been selected nationwide for approximately $4.5 billion in funding.
In Illinois specifically, BRIC grants support multiple disaster mitigation efforts. These include relocating a wastewater treatment plant out of a floodway—helping protect drinking water supplies for several towns—and reducing flood risks in areas like Des Plaines River Valley where flooding has caused significant community damage.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office advocates for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants and seniors; handles thousands of consumer complaints each year; aims to protect consumers while promoting safer communities; partners with law enforcement agencies; offers complaint filing services related to fraud or civil rights issues; acts as Illinois’ chief legal officer upholding laws statewide; operates offices throughout Illinois emphasizing consumer protection and environmental conservation; extends advocacy efforts across all regions; provides resources on identity theft or internet safety topics according to its official website.
Joining Raoul are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont,Wisconsin,and Washington as well as governors from Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
