May 1, 2025
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell has voiced concerns over the cancellation of BRIC grants by FEMA, which were initially awarded to help improve water and sewer infrastructure in towns across North Carolina. “Like many towns across North Carolina, Hillsborough sought and was awarded BRIC grants by FEMA to help strengthen our water and sewer infrastructure, only to have them canceled without warning,” said Bell. He emphasized the importance of these grants for public safety and economic development.
The Hillsborough river pumping station is among more than 60 projects in the state that had been allocated funding from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. This initiative was set up during President Trump’s first term to support disaster preparation projects such as constructing evacuation shelters, safeguarding utility grids against wildfires, and protecting wastewater infrastructure.
Several municipalities had already invested millions into these projects when the program was suddenly terminated in April. The recent Tropical Storm Chantal resulted in significant flooding at the Hillsborough river pumping station, causing a major sewage spill into the Eno River.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson has filed a lawsuit claiming that FEMA’s decision breaches the U.S. Constitution and other federal laws. He seeks a preliminary injunction to halt FEMA from reallocating BRIC funds elsewhere and a permanent injunction to reinstate the program along with its promised funds.
