Michigan State Police Open FEMA Grants to Help West Michigan Communities Prepare for Natural Disasters

Michigan State Police Opens Hazard Mitigation Grants Following Court Order

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division today announced the opening of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program for fiscal year 2025, inviting eligible municipalities across Michigan to apply for funding to reduce disaster risks.

This federal grant program provides funding for projects designed to reduce or eliminate future property damage and loss of life from natural hazards, including floods, tornadoes and severe storms. The program prioritizes infrastructure and construction projects that deliver measurable risk reduction and strengthen community resilience.

According to Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, "BRIC funding provides communities the opportunity to take proactive steps to reduce risk before disaster strikes. By investing in infrastructure and mitigation now, we help protect lives, safeguard critical services and ensure Michigan communities grow stronger and more resilient for the future."

Court Order Restores Funding After Termination

The announcement follows a recent federal court order requiring the restoration of the BRIC program. In December 2025, a federal court ruled that the termination of the congressionally mandated program was unlawful. On March 6, 2026, the court granted further relief, ordering FEMA to take steps to reverse the termination and make funding available as required by law.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of states in securing the court order to restore the program. "Every dollar FEMA spends on mitigation saves $6 in post-disaster costs," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. "By securing these court orders, we've cleared the way for critical BRIC funding to flow back into our state, allowing the Michigan State Police to resume the work of fortifying our communities against natural disasters. I look forward to seeing the life-saving impact of this next round of proposals."

How Much Funding Is Available

Over the past several years, FEMA has selected nearly 2,000 projects nationwide totaling approximately $4.5 billion in BRIC funding. In Michigan, 22 projects have been selected in recent years, totaling more than $19 million in federal funding.

For fiscal year 2025, BRIC funding includes three categories:

• Hazard Mitigation Projects – Nationally competitive funding for cost-effective infrastructure and construction projects designed to increase resilience and public safety and reduce damage to property and critical facilities. Only projects with at least a conceptual design are eligible; phased projects are not eligible.

• Building Code Plus-Up – Funding to support the adoption and enforcement of current hazard-resistant building codes, including evaluation, adoption and workforce development activities related to building codes.

• State Allocation Funding – Funding available to each state for smaller-scale hazard mitigation projects and project scoping for future infrastructure mitigation efforts.

Most grants are funded with a 75 percent federal share and a 25 percent non-federal match. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division serves as the applicant for the State of Michigan. Eligible subapplicants include state agencies, federally recognized tribal governments and local governments.

What This Means for West Michigan Communities

West Michigan communities face significant risks from natural disasters. Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo have experienced flooding from the Grand and Kalamazoo Rivers. Muskegon and Holland are vulnerable to Lake Michigan flooding and severe weather. Battle Creek and surrounding communities are at risk from tornadoes and flash flooding.

The BRIC grant program offers these communities a way to prepare for these threats. Local governments can use federal funding to:

• Elevate or reinforce buildings in flood-prone areas
• Improve drainage infrastructure
• Upgrade emergency communication systems
• Strengthen building codes to require higher standards for new construction
• Install flood barriers and other protective measures

For municipalities in West Michigan, this represents an opportunity to reduce long-term disaster costs and protect critical infrastructure that serves residents, businesses and emergency services.

How to Apply

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is now accepting project proposals from eligible applicants. The application deadline for the notice of intent form is April 29, 2026.

Municipalities interested in applying should contact their local emergency management office or the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division for guidance on the application process.

The Importance of Proactive Disaster Mitigation

Historically, disaster funding has focused on response and recovery after events occur. The BRIC program represents a shift toward proactive mitigation that addresses risks before they materialize.

According to federal emergency management officials, communities that invest in hazard mitigation see significant cost savings over time. Every dollar spent on mitigation saves approximately six dollars in post-disaster recovery costs.

For West Michigan communities, this means preparing for the floods that have affected the region, the severe weather events that regularly threaten infrastructure, and the tornadoes that pose risks to life and property.

Looking Ahead

The Michigan State Police continues to coordinate emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation activities across the state. The emergency management division works closely with local, tribal, state and federal partners to help protect Michigan residents and communities.

As more communities apply for BRIC grants, the Michigan State Police will work to ensure that funding reaches the areas most in need of hazard mitigation improvements. This includes West Michigan communities that have long faced challenges from flooding, severe weather and other natural hazards.

The restoration of the BRIC program represents a victory for communities across Michigan and a recognition that preparedness is essential for protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure.