FEMA backlog causes delays in California infrastructure projects

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is behind on approving major projects to protect Southern California totaling more than $191 million, a backlog that affects projects intended to reduce damage from floods, earthquakes, fires, and landslides, according to FEMA data.

The projects are supposed to be funded by a FEMA program called Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities — or BRIC. The Government Accountability Office has been studying the BRIC program over the last year.