Napa County Responds to FEMA Cancellation of Wildfire Resilience Grant

NAPA, CA - Napa County is expressing deep concern and disappointment following the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) decision to terminate funding under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program-a move that puts wildfire mitigation projects and public safety efforts at risk in one of the most fire-prone regions in the country.

In August 2024, Napa County was awarded a $35 million BRIC grant-one of only 124 projects selected nationwide-to support implementation of the Napa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The County committed an additional 30 percent match, bringing the total investment to $50 million. This comprehensive, multi-year effort includes hazardous fuels reduction, ignition-resistant construction, and defensible space treatments to protect vulnerable communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources.

"FEMA's decision halts a program that was not only forward-thinking, but also fiscally responsible," said Napa County CEO Ryan Alsop. "This federal investment was leveraging millions of local and private dollars to proactively reduce wildfire risk-something that's far more cost-effective than disaster recovery. Our communities have already stepped up, and the loss of this support puts that momentum at risk."

To date, Napa County has awarded several contracts and begun initial work under the BRIC program, including environmental planning, public education, and on-the-ground fire mitigation. These efforts were developed through a transparent, competitive process and in partnership with Napa Firewise, Cal Fire/Napa County Fire, and local stakeholders.

Chair of the Board of Supervisors Anne Cottrell, who is on her way to Washington, D.C. with Napa Valley Vintners and Napa Firewise leadership advocating for wildfire prevention and resilience funding, underscored the need for sustained federal partnership:

"This isn't just about one program-it's about smart, cost-efficient investments that protect lives, homes, and our local economy," said Chair Cottrell. "I'm heading to D.C. this week to make sure our federal partners understand that cutting BRIC undermines high-impact work already underway. These projects reduce the long-term cost of disaster response and abandoning them midstream doesn't make fiscal or public safety sense."

Since 2015, Napa County has experienced 26 major wildfires, with over 60 percent of its land area burned since 2017. More than one-third of residents live in designated wildfire hazard zones.

"This program was already delivering on its promise," Alsop added. "It's short-sighted to pull the plug when so much is already in motion, especially when the federal dollars were being multiplied through local and private investment. Every dollar spent on wildfire prevention saves many more in emergency response, recovery, and rebuilding-we can't afford to keep learning that the hard way."

Napa County will continue to work closely with state and federal officials to explore all available pathways to preserve these projects and protect the community from future wildfire threats.