The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently announced $1.35 billion in grant funds in the FY2024 Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program ($750 million) and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program ($600 million). These programs provide crucial funding for hazard mitigation projects aimed at reducing disaster risks and building resilience. Scenic America is excited to highlight the potential for funding transformative projects including utilities undergrounding, a key measure in protecting communities from natural disasters while enhancing and preserving scenic beauty.

What is the BRIC Program?

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, introduced in FY2020, is funded under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This funding sets aside 6% of post-disaster grant funds for pre-disaster hazard mitigation. Scenic America was instrumental in helping pass a significant amendment to Section 404(f)(12) of the Stafford Act included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that explicitly includes undergrounding utility wires as an eligible hazard mitigation measure.

Key eligibility notes:

• Applicants must have received a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Act within the past seven years before the application period start date.
• Undergrounding projects are explicitly eligible, as they align with FEMA’s goal of reducing disaster risks and promoting resilience.

Historical BRIC Funding for Undergrounding Projects

Undergrounding projects have been successfully funded in recent BRIC grant cycles, demonstrating the program’s support for these critical infrastructure improvements. Examples include:

• Lane County, Oregon: The Blachly Lane Amy Hill Overhead to Underground project received $1.5 million to place 1.75 miles of overhead power lines underground, reducing damage risk and enhancing power resiliency.
• Rock Hill, South Carolina: A $5.6 million project converted overhead power lines in residential backyards to underground lines in front of homes, benefiting Justice40 communities.
• Denison, Iowa: The Denison Municipal Utilities Power Resiliency Project received $12.7 million to bury underground infrastructure within city easements or public rights-of-way to prevent storm-related outages, benefiting disadvantaged communities.

FEMA’s BRIC Guiding Principles

The BRIC program prioritizes hazard mitigation projects that:

1. Reduce Risk: Support projects addressing natural hazards and future risks, including those posed by climate change.
2. Promote Equity: Prioritize projects benefiting disadvantaged communities in line with the Justice40 Initiative.
3. Encourage Innovation: Enable communities to implement forward-thinking, flexible, and effective solutions.
4. Enhance Partnerships: Foster collaboration for high-impact investments in public infrastructure and critical facilities.
5. Build Resilience: Adopt building codes, standards, and policies that mitigate risks and promote long-term safety.

FY2025 Program Priorities

The BRIC program’s priorities for FY2025 emphasize projects that:

• Address multi-hazard risk reduction with a focus on public infrastructure and disadvantaged communities.
• Incorporate nature-based solutions, such as those that reduce carbon emissions and enhance climate resilience.
• Promote the adoption of advanced building codes to protect public health and safety and ensure long-lasting community risk reduction.

How to Apply

1. Understand the Requirements: Review the FY2024 BRIC NOFO for detailed guidelines and eligibility criteria.
2. Submit Applications:
   • Local governments submit sub-applications to their state or Tribal Hazard Mitigation Officer.
   • States, Tribes, and territories submit applications to FEMA through the FEMA GO portal.
3. Deadlines:
   • Sub-application deadlines vary by state.
   • FEMA application deadline: April 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

Why Undergrounding Matters

Scenic America has long advocated for the undergrounding of utility lines as a strategy to mitigate risks from hurricanes, wildfires, and ice storms. Undergrounding not only improves reliability and safety but also reduces visual blight, enhancing the beauty of America’s landscapes.

FEMA’s FY2024 BRIC funding presents an extraordinary opportunity for communities to build resilience against disasters while investing in sustainable, scenic solutions. Scenic America urges stakeholders to consider applying for funding to advance projects like undergrounding utilities, which protect against disasters while preserving the beauty of our nation.