Connecticut Sues for $84 Million in Federal Disaster Funds: What’s at Stake for Small Towns?

Connecticut has launched a high-profile lawsuit against the federal government over the loss of $84 million in disaster mitigation funds,* raising alarms about the future safety and resilience of the state’s most vulnerable communities.

The legal challenge, led by Attorney General William Tong and joined by 19 other states, comes after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) abruptly terminated its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The program, crucial for proactive disaster planning, is designed to help states and municipalities fortify infrastructure against the growing threat of severe storms and flooding. Connecticut’s share, now at risk, included $42 million for Bridgeport's flood defense system, $25 million for New Haven's coastal resiliency projects, and nearly $1 million for Stamford’s seawall improvements.

“We are midstream in a lot of these projects, and now they’re going to pull the rug out from under us,” said Attorney General Tong. “Or we are about to break ground on projects, or these projects have to happen or else — or else people’s lives will be at risk.”

For small towns across Connecticut, the loss of BRIC funds is particularly devastating. These communities often lack the local tax base to finance large-scale resilience or recovery projects on their own. Without dedicated federal support, small towns may face:

• Delays or cancellations of planned mitigation projects: Flood mitigation, bridge repairs, and infrastructure upgrades crucial for public safety could stall, leaving communities exposed to future disasters.
• Increased local financial burden: Towns may have to divert funds from other essential services to cover disaster-related costs or compete for limited state funds.
• Higher vulnerability to climate impacts: With storms and flooding on the rise, cutting federal disaster programs means rural communities could see more frequent and severe property damage, business disruptions, and even threats to public health.

Ronnell Higgins, Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner, warned in court documents that canceling these funds would bring a “devastating” effect on small towns and the entire state through wasted investments and harsher storm impacts.

Attorney General Tong accused the Trump administration of acting illegally by shuttering the program: “Communities across Connecticut are expecting and relying on tens of millions of dollars in promised FEMA funds to protect lives, homes, and infrastructure. Donald Trump cannot unilaterally seize our funds to funnel favors and tax breaks to his favorite billionaires. We’re suing, and we’re doing everything we can to stop him.”

As the lawsuit proceeds, small towns must brace for uncertainty—hoping the courts restore these critical dollars before the next storm.