North Carolina AG Jackson Challenges FEMA Over $200M Cancelled Disaster Resilience Funding

Attorney General Jeff Jackson visited Fayetteville, North Carolina, to highlight the impact of FEMA's cancellation of more than $200 million in disaster prevention funding across the state, including a $15.4 million project in Fayetteville to replace four bridges and restore streambanks along Blounts Creek. These projects aimed to mitigate flooding and improve infrastructure resilience, but FEMA abruptly pulled the funds, leaving Fayetteville having already spent millions in reliance on the promised grants. Jackson is part of a multi-state lawsuit against FEMA, arguing that the agency's cancellation of these grants violates congressional mandates and that FEMA officials lacked legal authority to end the funding. Fayetteville officials emphasized the critical need for these projects to protect homes, ensure road accessibility for first responders, and prevent future flood damage, especially in areas still recovering from past hurricanes. The lawsuit has resulted in a freeze on the disputed FEMA funds until the matter is resolved, but the uncertainty poses challenges for local governments managing public safety and infrastructure. White House officials have indicated the funding changes are part of efforts to restructure FEMA to better empower local and state governments.