Emergency officials across the U.S. say recent changes to FEMA rules and delays in federal grants are putting disaster preparedness at risk. Many states are now facing hiring freezes, delayed training, and uncertainty about how to proceed with key projects.
Grant Delays Caused by New Population Rules
A $320 million Emergency Management Performance Grant was paused just one day after being awarded. FEMA now requires states to recalculate their population numbers, excluding people deported under immigration laws.
States say they’ve never had to do this before and received no guidance on how. Hawaii, for example, used 2020 census data and noncitizen estimates from an advocacy group, unsure if the method would be accepted.
With FEMA contacts furloughed during the federal shutdown, states have no way to confirm if their calculations meet requirements.
Cuts to Homeland Security Grants Hit Hard
Some states were shocked by sharp cuts to the $1 billion Homeland Security Grant Program.
- New York: 79% reduction ($100 million less than expected)
- Illinois: 69% reduction
Meanwhile, territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands received unexpected increases.
The National Emergency Management Association questioned the risk formula used to decide allocations. Several Democratic-led states sued, leading to a judge halting payments on Sept. 30.
Less Time to Use Funds
FEMA has also reduced the time agencies have to use grant money from three years to one.
This short window makes it harder to invest in longer-term disaster readiness projects. Smaller agencies with limited budgets are especially vulnerable.
Legal Battles Add More Confusion
Lawsuits are further complicating funding. Judges have ruled against DHS attempts to tie grants to immigration enforcement, but DHS continues to try imposing new conditions.
A federal judge also ordered FEMA to return $34 million in transit security funding to New York City after it was withheld over immigration policies.
States Rethinking FEMA Dependence
In places like Hawaii and Washington, officials are now freezing hiring and bracing for more disruptions.
Frank Pace of Hawaii Homeland Security said the ongoing delays could lead to unpaid contractors, halted projects, or even layoffs.
Trina Sheets of the National Emergency Management Association said states are now considering how to become less dependent on federal funding.
With new threats rising — from wildfires to cyberattacks — states say FEMA support is more essential than ever. But unpredictable rules, political interference, and funding delays are making disaster response planning harder at every level.
For more on disaster recovery response, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.