WASHINGTON — FEMA announced $2.3 billion in awards under its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program for the 2026 funding cycle, the largest single-year allocation in the program's history, targeting pre-disaster hazard mitigation projects across all 50 states and territories.
The BRIC program, established by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, funds state and local government projects that reduce risk from natural hazards before disasters occur. The 2026 awards include funding for flood control infrastructure, wildfire risk reduction, earthquake retrofitting, and critical infrastructure hardening.
The largest category of awards — approximately $890 million — went to flood mitigation projects, including levee improvements, stormwater management systems, and buyout programs for properties in high-risk flood zones. Wildfire risk reduction projects received $620 million, with a significant portion directed to California, Oregon, and Washington.
For restoration contractors, BRIC-funded mitigation projects represent both a direct business opportunity and a long-term market development investment. Contractors with expertise in flood control, drainage systems, and fire-resistant construction are well-positioned to compete for BRIC-funded work.
The program also funds community resilience planning and building code adoption, which can drive demand for restoration services by increasing the number of structures that are required to meet updated hazard-resistant construction standards.
FEMA has indicated that the 2027 BRIC funding cycle will prioritize projects that address climate-related risks, including sea level rise, extreme heat, and increased precipitation intensity.
