BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday aims to block the Trump administration from reallocating $4 billion and help the community protect its communities from natural disasters.
Boston’s US District Judge Richard G. Stearns grants preliminary injunctions sought by 20 Democratic-led states, and fundraising lawsuits are moving ahead.
The state claims the Federal Emergency Management Agency has no authority to terminate the building’s resilient infrastructure and community programs and redirect more than $4 billion in funds. The programme aims to strengthen infrastructure across the country against potential storm damage.
FEMA initially announced it had ended the program but later said it had evaluated it in court.
“The government is vague as to whether the BRIC programme has actually been terminated, but the evidence from FEMA made to implement the announced termination is taking steps to implement the conclusion that the decision is in fact being made and that FEMA is heading towards Fait compri,” Stearns wrote in his ruling. “The agency has notified stakeholders that it should not be expected to cancel new funding opportunities and obtain unrelated funds.”
Noting that funds for the program were allocated by Congress, the state lawsuit states that attempts to redirect it would violate the constitution.
Government lawyer Nicole O’Connor argued at the July hearing that the funds could be used for both disaster recovery and disaster prevention, and that FEMA should have discretion to use the money to see how it is suitable.
The program provides grants for a variety of disaster management projects, including strengthening electrical grids, building levees for flood protection, and relocating vulnerable water treatment facilities. That’s true for many of the projects In a rural community.
FEMA said in a April News Release It had “ends” the program, but David Richardson, acting chief of the agency, later told the court that FEMA would simply evaluate whether it would end or amend it.
States, including California, New York and Washington, have allegedly put many projects at risk of cancellation, delays or miniaturization, simply due to the threat of losing funds. And they warn that it is very rude to finish the program.
“By actively strengthening the disaster before attacking it rather than responding later, we will reduce injuries, save lives, protect our property and ultimately save money spent on post-disaster expenses,” they wrote in a lawsuit filed in July.
FEMA said in the court that filed an injunction on the use of funds that could hinder its ability to respond to major disasters.
