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The state of Florida will cease to receive nearly $300 million in federal funds intended to strengthen its infrastructure against hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters after the Donald Trump administration canceled the BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) program, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The decision, announced this week by the new FEMA director, Cameron Hamilton, has raised concerns among local officials and climate resilience experts, especially since last hurricane season was the most active in the last 40 years and the next one is already approaching, reported the channel Univisión.
Hamilton described the program as a “politicized waste,” and announced that the White House is considering completely eliminating FEMA to transfer funds directly to the states, arguing for “greater local efficiency.”
Florida had received a total allocation of $312 million from the BRIC program between 2020 and 2023. However, to date, only $19 million had been used—barely 6% of the total—before the funds were frozen at the beginning of the new presidential term.
With the final cancellation, the state loses $293 million, directly impacting dozens of strategic projects.
Among the stalled projects are the elevation of roads in flood-prone areas in Jacksonville; the construction of a community hurricane shelter in Key West; and mitigation work in canals across 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys, with $150 million allocated solely by the South Florida Water Management District.
Despite the direct impact on the most vulnerable communities in the state, Governor Ron DeSantis has not made any public comments about the loss of funds.
However, he has previously expressed his support for Trump's plans to restructure FEMA, arguing that reducing bureaucracy would allow resources to be used "more efficiently."
Florida also did not join the legal lawsuit filed by more than 20 states led by Democratic governors, which accuse the federal government of political retaliation for freezing funds to jurisdictions with progressive policies on issues such as immigration and climate change.
FEMA has been a fundamental pillar in Florida's response to and recovery from natural disasters.
Only in 2024, following the passage of hurricanes Helene and Milton, the state received over $1 billion in federal assistance. In the last 14 years, $8.5 billion has been provided by FEMA to Florida.
Experts warn that the loss of funds from the BRIC program represents a serious setback in emergency preparedness, at a time when the effects of climate change are intensifying the frequency and magnitude of extreme events.
"Reducing investment in resilience is a dangerous bet," warned environmental and risk management organizations. "Florida needs more, not fewer, resources to protect lives and property."
Frequently Asked Questions about Funding Loss for Hurricane Protection in Florida
Why has Florida lost nearly $300 million in federal funds?
Florida lost nearly $300 million in federal funds because the Donald Trump administration canceled the BRIC program (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities), managed by FEMA. This program was designed to strengthen the state's infrastructure against hurricanes and flooding. The cancellation has impacted many vital projects for the protection of vulnerable communities in Florida.
What are the consequences of the cancellation of the BRIC program funds?
The cancellation of funds for the BRIC program has stalled strategic projects in Florida, such as the elevation of roads in flood-prone areas and the construction of community shelters for hurricanes. This represents a setback in the state's emergency preparedness, particularly in the context of climate change that intensifies extreme weather events.
What stance has Governor Ron DeSantis taken regarding the loss of funding?
Governor Ron DeSantis has not made any public comments regarding the loss of funding. However, he has expressed his support for President Trump's plans to restructure FEMA, arguing that reducing bureaucracy could allow for more efficient use of resources. DeSantis has also not joined Florida in the legal lawsuit filed by other states that accuses the federal government of political retaliation.
What criticisms have arisen regarding the cancellation of the BRIC program funds?
Experts and environmental organizations have severely criticized the cancellation of the BRIC program funds, calling it a dangerous step. They have warned that reducing investment in resilience is risky, especially as the effects of climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. A lack of preparedness could endanger lives and property in Florida.
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