Leland, N.C. — The North Carolina Attorney General, Jeff Jackson, is taking legal action against the federal government in response to significant funding losses experienced by over 60 local entities in the state. This follows the abrupt suspension of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program in April, leaving many communities in a financial bind.
Among those affected is the Town of Leland, which reports a loss of more than $1.1 million. This funding was previously allocated to relocate a sewer lift station away from Sturgeon Creek, a project vital for environmental protection and infrastructure resilience. Town Manager David Hollis emphasized the importance of this endeavor, noting that an overflow from the sewer system could pose contamination risks to the creek, especially during heavy rainfall when flooding becomes a serious concern.
Despite the financial deficit, Leland plans to continue progress on the project through alternative funding sources. Hollis stated that the necessary relocation of the pump station will proceed regardless of the funding cut, aiming to start construction by the year’s end.
Not all communities share Leland’s ability to find supplemental funding. The North Carolina Emergency Management Response Team warned of widespread challenges throughout the state due to these cuts. They highlighted that the state’s emergency management sectors heavily rely on federal grant funding and will feel repercussions from any changes in funding at the federal level.
In a statement, the state emergency response team reassured residents of their commitment to maintaining collaboration between state and federal emergency management agencies. They urged North Carolinians to prepare for hurricane season by developing emergency plans and building disaster supply kits.
Other localities are facing broader impacts as well. Whiteville, located in Columbus County, lost $3.7 million intended for a stream restoration project aimed at enhancing resilience against flooding.
Attorney General Jackson contends that FEMA’s suspension of the BRIC program violates constitutional provisions. He is seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction to halt the government’s intended use of the withheld funds and to restore the BRIC funding for North Carolina.
This legal challenge could have considerable implications for communities across the state that are striving for enhanced resilience against climate-related challenges. As local leaders assess their options, the focus remains on the pressing need for funding to implement crucial infrastructure projects.
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