Oregon Lawmakers Urge FEMA to Approve Waivers for Critical Disaster Mitigation Projects Amid BRIC Program Suspension

Washington, D.C. — May 6, 2026 — Oregon’s congressional delegation, led by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, has intensified pressure on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expedite approval of waivers for two high-priority disaster mitigation projects in the state. The projects, funded under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, face delays due to the program’s recent suspension, threatening the timeline and financial stability of critical infrastructure upgrades in rural Oregon communities.

Why These Projects Matter

The two projects at the center of the delegation’s push are:

• Clatsop County Columbia Memorial Hospital Expansion: A $14 million BRIC-funded initiative to construct a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, Oregon. The facility will include a vertical evacuation structure designed to shelter 1,900 people during catastrophic events. Construction began in early 2026 after recipients were forced to proceed without final FEMA approval due to funding uncertainties.
• A Second Unnamed Project: While details remain limited, the Oregon delegation’s letter emphasizes that both projects were awarded BRIC funding under the previous administration but were forced into pre-award construction to avoid cost overruns or project abandonment.

The BRIC program, established to reduce risks from natural hazards, has been a cornerstone of federal disaster preparedness efforts. Still, its suspension in late 2025—following attempts by the Trump administration to eliminate it—has left grantees in a precarious position, particularly in states like Oregon, where construction timelines are tightly constrained by weather and geological risks.

The Delegation’s Push for Urgent Action

In a letter addressed to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Merkley and Bonamici, joined by Senators Ron Wyden and Representatives Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Maxine Dexter, and Janelle Bynum, argue that the delays are exacerbating financial strain on local governments and nonprofits. The letter states:

“Amidst the suspension of the BRIC program, these projects were forced to proceed to construction because recipients could not afford further delays without severely increasing project costs or jeopardizing the overall success of the project. The delay in funding has created substantial stress on these rural communities.”

The delegation’s letter highlights that the Clatsop County project, in particular, is time-sensitive. The hospital’s expansion is critical for ensuring resilience against tsunamis—a recurring threat along Oregon’s Pacific coastline. Without FEMA’s waivers, the project risks funding gaps that could force contractors to halt perform or seek alternative financing at higher costs.

Broader Implications for Disaster Resilience

The Oregon delegation’s advocacy reflects a growing national concern over the future of federal hazard mitigation programs. With climate change intensifying natural disasters, investments in resilient infrastructure—such as elevated hospitals, flood barriers, and wildfire-resistant utilities—are increasingly viewed as essential. The BRIC program’s suspension has left a void in federal support for these initiatives, prompting lawmakers to push for interim solutions.

FEMA has not yet responded publicly to the Oregon delegation’s letter. However, the agency’s recent announcement of temporary flexibilities for ongoing projects suggests a willingness to consider case-by-case waivers for grantees facing similar challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Two Oregon projects—including a tsunami-resilient hospital in Astoria—are at risk of delays due to the BRIC program’s suspension.
• The Oregon delegation is urging FEMA to approve waivers and full funding to prevent cost overruns and project abandonment.
• Construction has already begun on the Clatsop County hospital expansion, making timely FEMA action critical.
• The broader issue highlights national vulnerabilities in disaster resilience funding amid program uncertainties.

What’s Next?

FEMA’s response to the Oregon delegation’s letter will be closely watched by other states with pending BRIC-funded projects. If approved, the waivers could set a precedent for similar cases nationwide. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to advocate for the program’s permanent reauthorization, ensuring long-term federal commitment to disaster mitigation.

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