Baton Rouge Flood Mitigation Projects Halted After FEMA Cancels $53M in Federal Funding

BATON ROUGE, La. — Two major flood prevention projects in East Baton Rouge Parish have been abruptly paused after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) terminated its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The unexpected cancellation cuts off more than $53 million in federal funding for stormwater improvements meant to protect flood-prone communities across the Baton Rouge area.

FEMA Funding Freeze Stalls Critical Infrastructure Work

The BRIC program supported proactive infrastructure efforts to reduce disaster risks nationwide. Its termination has left several Louisiana parishes scrambling, including Baton Rouge, where two major stormwater projects were in the planning and early development stages.

Local officials had applied for BRIC funding to support vital upgrades in flood control systems that have long struggled to withstand the increasing intensity of rainfall and storm events. Without those federal dollars, both projects—integral parts of the City-Parish’s Stormwater Master Plan—are now on indefinite hold.

Lively Bayou Project: $26 Million in Drainage Relief Postponed

The first of the paused projects, a $26 million plan focused on the Lively Bayou area near South Choctaw Drive and Flannery Road, was designed to enhance drainage capacity in one of the hardest-hit areas during the 2016 Baton Rouge flood. Engineers had outlined a comprehensive redesign to manage storm runoff and prevent future overflows, protecting nearby homes from costly and dangerous water intrusion.

The Lively Bayou project aimed to install new underground culverts, realign water flow paths, and create improved outfall systems—an ambitious overhaul now shelved until new funding sources are identified.

Glen Oaks Detention Basin and Diversion Culvert Project Delayed

The second project, valued at $27 million, targeted the Glen Oaks neighborhood with a large-scale diversion culvert and detention pond that would redirect excess rainwater into Robert’s Canal. The project was expected to alleviate pressure on outdated infrastructure in a neighborhood that repeatedly experiences flood damage during heavy rains.

Both projects were prioritized based on flood risk data, resident impact, and environmental vulnerability. Collectively, they represented a strategic investment in long-term resilience for Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge Master Plan Impacted by FEMA’s BRIC Program Shutdown

These projects were not isolated improvements—they were essential components of the City-Parish’s multi-phase Stormwater Master Plan. Developed in response to decades of flood-related property loss, the plan outlines specific engineering and construction initiatives to modernize drainage systems parish-wide.

With the sudden withdrawal of BRIC funds, not only have current efforts been stalled, but future phases of the plan may also be compromised. City-Parish departments must now re-evaluate timelines and resource allocations, as the loss of federal backing reverberates across the entire infrastructure roadmap.

The city of Central and Entergy were Also Affected

East Baton Rouge is not alone in feeling the impact. The neighboring City of Central has been stripped of a nearly $40 million grant for its flood control projects. Entergy Louisiana, which had secured BRIC funds to improve electrical grid resilience in Ascension Parish, now faces delays and uncertainty in implementing its $40 million infrastructure upgrade.

FEMA’s decision to eliminate the BRIC program has sent shockwaves through Louisiana’s storm-preparedness ecosystem, affecting municipalities, utilities, and families alike.

City-Parish Officials Seek New Paths Forward

Despite the setback, Baton Rouge officials have indicated that efforts are underway to find alternative funding sources. This includes potential applications to other federal programs, state-level infrastructure funds, and possible partnerships with private-sector stakeholders.

Engineering teams are reviewing whether scaled-down versions of the projects could proceed with limited resources, but no construction will resume until replacement funding is confirmed.

What’s at Stake for Flood-Prone Communities

The suspension of these projects leaves some of Baton Rouge’s most flood-vulnerable neighborhoods exposed as hurricane season approaches. Without the planned infrastructure in place, the risk of recurring flood damage remains high.

As officials work to regroup, residents across East Baton Rouge Parish are left in limbo—waiting for critical protections that are now indefinitely postponed.