The Trump administration went ahead and canceled a whopping $33 million worth of federal funds meant to help with earthquake retrofits in California. This move has stirred up some “grave concern” and prompted a call to rethink things from a key California official. In a letter dated Wednesday, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) reached out to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging her to reinstate the funds. These funds were supposed to strengthen somewhere between 750 and 1,500 apartment buildings in the state. Schiff emphasized the critical nature of earthquake preparedness in California, stating, “In California, earthquakes are not a question of if, but when. This move must be reversed before tragedy strikes next.”
The canceled grants were initially approved under FEMA to assist in retrofitting vulnerable apartment buildings that have proven to be deadly in past earthquakes. These buildings, known as soft-story apartments, have weak supports on the ground level that can easily collapse during an earthquake. FEMA decided to ax the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which would have funded these crucial earthquake retrofits. The agency justified its decision by calling the program wasteful and ineffective, claiming it was more concerned with political agendas than helping those affected by natural disasters. However, officials and scientists have long been aware of the earthquake risks associated with soft-story buildings, with past tragedies highlighting the urgent need for retrofitting. Autopsy reports from previous earthquakes showed that many fatalities were due to suffocation caused by building collapses.
The impact of this fund cancellation extends far beyond just California. The BRIC program, which was established in 2018 to support disaster mitigation projects, was set to receive a boost in funding during the Biden administration. This additional funding aimed to help states and local governments reduce their vulnerability to natural disasters. However, with the cancelation of funds, numerous projects across California now face uncertain futures. From flood control systems to wildfire prevention initiatives, these projects were heavily reliant on federal support to enhance community resilience. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has identified over $870 million in BRIC projects statewide that are now at risk of losing federal funding. This includes critical projects such as climate change resiliency efforts, wildfire retrofitting, and flood mitigation measures in various counties across the state.
Overall, the decision to cancel these funds not only jeopardizes the safety and well-being of Californians but also undermines efforts to prepare for future natural disasters. The consequences of this action could be devastating, leaving vulnerable communities at a heightened risk of displacement and harm. It is crucial for federal authorities to reconsider their stance and prioritize the safety and resilience of communities in earthquake-prone regions like California. The potential loss of funding for essential projects underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in disaster mitigation and preparedness efforts. It is essential to support initiatives that aim to protect lives, property, and infrastructure from the destructive forces of nature.
