News Summary
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock is actively seeking to restore a canceled $30 million flood reduction grant for Savannah, aimed at bolstering disaster mitigation efforts. This funding, part of the BRIC program, was revoked by the Trump administration, depriving local communities of vital resources amid increasing flooding concerns. Warnock’s bipartisan coalition is urging reinstatement, as local officials express alarm over the grant’s loss, fearing higher tax burdens on residents. The grant’s cancellation affected 449 nationwide applicants, totaling approximately $4.4 billion in rescinded funding.
Savannah, Georgia – Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock is intensifying efforts to restore a $30 million flood reduction grant for Savannah that was canceled by the Trump administration. This funding was part of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which aimed to support local disaster mitigation projects. The closure of this grant comes amid recent devastating flooding incidents in Texas, which resulted in over 130 fatalities.
Warnock emphasized that the cancellation of this grant deprives Georgia communities of essential resources necessary for saving lives during emergencies. In early May, the senator joined a bipartisan coalition, calling for the reinstatement of the funding after its cancellation earlier in 2025. His office revealed that he is also in discussions with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ensure that FEMA’s Region IV office in Atlanta is adequately staffed and ready for the upcoming 2025 hurricane season.
Recent assessments have highlighted concerning cuts to disaster response capabilities within FEMA, prompting worries about national preparedness as this storm season approaches. Savannah has grappled with flooding issues for decades, and local officials voiced alarm over the loss of the grant designated to address flood-prone areas within the city.
The $30 million grant was initially awarded to Savannah in April of the prior year, with plans for its allocation to major drainage and flood mitigation projects. Alarmingly, the city had already dedicated $2.9 million from the grant for design and survey work that had gained federal approval prior to the funding’s cancellation. Concerns have been raised by local leaders, including Alderman Nick Palumbo, who fear that insufficient federal support could result in tax burdens on Savannah residents to finance future mitigation projects.
The cancellation of the Savannah grant also significantly affects over 449 other applicants nationwide, culminating in approximately $4.4 billion of rescinded funding. In light of the extensive implications of FEMA’s decision, Congressman Buddy Carter has reached out to the agency to seek further clarification regarding the grant’s termination.
Senator Warnock’s push for reinstatement is part of a broader commitment made earlier in a bipartisan, bicameral initiative to secure federal funding dedicated to disaster recovery efforts in Georgia following previous hurricanes, including Hurricane Helene. His advocacy emphasis on the necessity for strong disaster response measures and the critical role of pre-disaster mitigation financing—described as “survivor-centric”—further underscores the urgent need for robust planning and preparedness in facing natural disasters.
In summary, amid ongoing flooding threats, the fight to restore critical funding for Savannah illustrates a significant issue that not only affects local safety but also highlights broader concerns regarding disaster preparedness and response across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Flood Prevention Grant Should Be Reinstated
- Wikipedia
- Savannah Now: Warnock Urges Reinstatement of Grant for Savannah Drainage Project
- Google Search: Savannah flood prevention grant
- WJCL: Savannah’s $30M Flood Relief Grant Pulled by FEMA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood Prevention
- WTOC: FEMA Cuts $30 Million Grant for Flooding Drainage Issues in Savannah
- Google News: Flood Grant Savannah
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
