The City of St. Petersburg is facing a major setback in its storm preparedness efforts after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the termination of a key funding source.

The city had anticipated receiving millions through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which has historically supported flood mitigation projects and home elevation initiatives.

“The city has long used these funds to make key resiliency improvements across our city and elevate homes to reduce flood risk,” a city representative said.

FEMA stated the decision to end BRIC aligns with updated federal priorities and executive orders, aiming to refocus resources on disaster response, planning, and recovery efforts.

A statement from FEMA on its website described BRIC as “a wasteful and ineffective program,” claiming it prioritized political agendas over meaningful disaster relief. “Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, we are committed to ensuring that Americans in crisis can get the help and resources they need,” the agency said.

The city had planned to upgrade several lift stations to improve drainage and reduce flood risks in vulnerable neighborhoods, including one near BJ Phillips’ home in Coquina Key.

“Our street was blocked off because there was so much water,” Phillips said. “We had water, like, up to the window on a vehicle.”

She expressed frustration with FEMA, citing ongoing issues in securing help for hurricane-related damage to her home. “That’s crazy because we need the assistance,” she said. “Let it happen to you and then call it waste.”

Other residents, like Pamela Strong, say flooding is a regular issue even without hurricanes. “Every single time we have a torrential downpour, it is a nightmare in that area,” she said of the intersection at 1st Street and 58th Avenue.

Strong, also critical of FEMA’s performance, said she supports the idea of the state taking a more active role. “FEMA has been nothing but a nightmare,” she said. “We pay taxes for help—if we can’t get it from FEMA, then where do we go?”

City officials say they remain committed to long-term resilience planning. Through its St. Pete Agile Resilience Plan (SPAR), the city is preparing to invest $1.5 billion over the next five years to strengthen neighborhoods and infrastructure.

“In addition to federal and state grant programs, funding for these efforts could come from adjustments to utility rates, bond issuance, or reallocation of general funds,” the city spokesperson added.

FEMA noted that more than $3.6 billion remains in the Disaster Relief Fund to support recovery efforts for communities and survivors nationwide.

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