Albany Update

Federal Funding Cut for Resiliency Projects Will Slash 325M in State Work: Hochul

ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul released a breakdown of how the Trump administration’s cuts to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program will impact critical infrastructure and community resilience projects in New York State. With the action, the federal Department of Homeland Security has revoked more than $325.5 million in funding for projects that have not yet begun construction.

Additionally, there is another $56 million worth of projects where work has already begun, that are potentially at risk, state officials noted on April 8.

“In the last few years, New Yorkers have faced hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires and even an earthquake––and FEMA assistance has been critical to help us rebuild,” the governor said. “Cutting funding for communities across New York is short sighted and a massive risk to public safety. Without support for resilience projects now, our communities will be far more vulnerable when disaster strikes next.”

In addition to the $325.5 million in funding for projects in the pipeline, another $56 million in work that has already commenced in New York State is also at risk by the federal government budget cuts.

She noted that no state in the nation can backfill the massive cuts being proposed by the Trump administration, and she called on New Yorkers to stand united to call out the damage this will cause.

Mitigation is Key

New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “It is far more expensive to rebuild than it is to prevent damage before it happens. Mitigation is the best way to save taxpayer dollars and increase resiliency. These projects were created with the sole purpose of helping prevent further damage from the storms that continue to impact the residents of New York State.”

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program supports states, local and territorial governments and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk. The program aims to support communities as they build capability and capacity. BRIC also encourages and aids innovation. It helps partnerships grow; supports infrastructure projects; and fosters flexibility and consistency.

Among the impacted projects in the New York City metro region are:

  • $50 million for the Central Harlem Cloudburst Flood Mitigation program to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events through the strengthening and improvement of stormwater infrastructure.
  • $50 million for the East Elmhurst Cloudburst Flood Mitigation to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events through the strengthening and improvement of stormwater infrastructure.
  • $42.4 million for the Seaport Coastal Resilience Project to reduce flood risk to the Historic South Street Seaport by strengthening and improving infrastructure to mitigate impacts from multiple hazards including coastal flooding, sea level rise, extreme precipitation and urban heat island effect.
  • $46.6 million for the Kissena Corridor Cloudburst Hub to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events by integrating traditional underground drainage infrastructure with above-ground solutions into ongoing urban infrastructure planning.
  • $47 million for the Corona East Cloudburst Hub to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events by integrating traditional underground drainage infrastructure with above-ground solutions into ongoing urban infrastructure planning.

Published: April 17, 2025

Scroll to Top