In a significant court victory announced today, a federal judge ruled that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security unlawfully imposed conditions on grants intended for first responders and disaster relief.
The ruling ensures that North Carolina will receive $17 million that had been jeopardized by federal requirements the court described as inconsistent with "Congressional intent or FEMA’s mission."
Standing Up for First Responders
The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Jackson in November, challenged the federal government’s decision to impose new, unauthorized terms on two major programs: the Emergency Management Performance Grant and the Homeland Security Grant Program. These funds are vital to the state's ability to prepare for and respond to crises.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the federal agencies had unlawfully held one grant and shortened the spending timeline for another without congressional approval. These funds are used to:
Coordinate Rescue Operations: Funds were critical during Hurricane Helene for deploying personnel and operating emergency shelters.
Protect Schools: Supporting active shooter exercises and safety drills.
Fund Local Law Enforcement: Purchasing specialized equipment for bomb squads and search-and-rescue teams.
Maintain Infrastructure: Ensuring operations continue during widespread power and communications outages.
A Defeat for "Unlawful Conditions"
In a statement following the decision, Attorney General Jeff Jackson emphasized that the court's ruling prevents federal overreach from affecting local safety.
“The court saw through FEMA’s attempt to break the law and deny money that North Carolina relies on to respond to hurricanes, natural disasters, and other emergencies,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “Our state is going to get back the $17 million that Congress promised so that our emergency responders and law enforcement officers are ready to respond to the next crisis.”
Impact Across North Carolina
The $17 million in funding supports the salaries of nearly 100 state emergency management workers, along with personnel across all 100 local jurisdictions and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Without these funds, the state’s ability to respond to future natural disasters or security threats would have been significantly diminished.
This victory follows a similar ruling earlier this month, where the Attorney General successfully fought to restore $200 million in climate resiliency grants for the state.
WNCTimes