{
  "id": 18432665,
  "title": "FEMA backlog causes delays in California infrastructure projects",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/fema-backlog-causes-delays-in-california-infrastructure-projects",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T03:32:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CBS News",
    "slug": "cbs-news",
    "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/fema-backlog-causing-delays-in-southern-california-infrastructure-projects/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is behind on approving major projects in Southern California, totaling over $191 million. These projects aim to reduce damages from floods, earthquakes, fires, and landslides, funded by FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The program was canceled by the new administration in March 2025, but federal judge ordered FEMA to continue it in spring 2026. Despite the reinstatement, FEMA has not approved any pending BRIC projects in California this year, and payments on already obligated projects are slow-moving. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released in September states the backlog of projects nationwide totals $2.2 billion. Inflation, increased labor prices, and costly redos of existing projects have contributed to the delays. California has the most pending BRIC projects in the country, some submitted in 2022, including a $15 million flood control project in San Bernardino. San Bernardino County declined an interview but stated they are working with FEMA on the project. Some counties with impacted projects report limited communication about the status of their BRIC-funded projects. FEMA's staff covering California projects has been significantly reduced, potentially causing more delays. Experts fear that phase two of projects like Capistrano Beach's elevated berm and vegetated sand dunes could take longer to move forward due to the backlog. The delays have left Californians at risk, as reducing risk is the main purpose of these projects. Some homeowners fear for their community's safety, while others believe FEMA should prioritize humanitarian efforts over fiscal responsibility. FEMA has announced a call for more applications this fall, and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) intends to get answers from FEMA about the delays.",
  "summary": "FEMA is behind on approving major projects to protect Southern California from floods, earthquakes, fires and landslides.",
  "key_points": [
    "FEMA backlog delays $191M+ California infrastructure projects",
    "BRIC program reinstated but FEMA hasn't approved projects this year",
    "GAO reports $2.2B nationwide backlog due to inflation and labor costs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}