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The Trump administration has canceled $33 million in federal grants intended for earthquake retrofitting in California, raising concerns from Senator Adam Schiff. The funds were part of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which aimed to retrofit 750 to 1,500 seismically vulnerable apartment buildings across the state. These buildings, known as soft-story structures, are particularly susceptible to collapse during earthquakes, posing significant risks to residents.
In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FEMA official David Richardson, Schiff urged the reinstatement of the funds, emphasizing that "earthquakes are not a question of if, but when" in California. He highlighted the potential for significant economic loss, noting that California is projected to lose an average of $9.6 billion annually from earthquake damage. Schiff argued that federal support is crucial for retrofitting efforts, which save $3 for every $1 spent.
The cancellation of the BRIC program, originally created in 2018 during President Trump's first term, has been met with criticism for prioritizing political agendas over disaster preparedness. FEMA stated that the program was "wasteful and ineffective," and funds would be redirected to other disaster relief efforts. However, the decision leaves many Californians, particularly those in low-income areas, at risk of displacement and harm in the event of a major earthquake.
Schiff's call for action comes amid heightened seismic activity in Southern California and ongoing efforts by state and local governments to mandate retrofits for at-risk buildings. The senator stressed the importance of federal assistance to ensure the safety and security of California's residents before the next earthquake strikes.