As the federal government closes out Fiscal Year 2025 on September 30, unawarded DHS/FEMA and USDOT grants risk being returned to the U.S. Treasury on October 1. With Congress working to avoid a potential government shutdown and agencies delayed in processing awards, cities could lose access to critical resources.
These programs are foundational for public safety, homeland security, and local infrastructure resilience
The National League of Cities (NLC), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and other national partners are calling on local leaders to contact their Members of Congress immediately to ensure funds are awarded on time.
Key DHS/FEMA Grants at Risk
FEMA has accepted applications for the following programs but has not yet announced awards:
- FY24 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) – $324M
- FY24 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) – $32.4M
- FY24 Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) – $324M
- FY25 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) – $468M
- FY25 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) – $553.5M
If these awards are not issued by October 1, the funding will lapse. Congress has authorized FEMA to award AFG, FP&S, and SAFER across two fiscal years, but FY24 funds must still be obligated by the deadline.
USDOT Programs with Fixed Deadlines
Several U.S. Department of Transportation grants, largely funded through President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, face strict September 30, 2025 completion deadlines, with no extensions expected under the Trump administration. Georgia recipients include:
- Bridge Investment Program – Announced January 2023 – (FY2022 Awards)
- Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Program – Announced summer 2024 – (2022 Awards)
- Bus and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Buses – Announced August 2022 – (2022 Awards)
- Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation Program (PROTECT) – Announced April 2024 – (2022 Awards)
- Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Program – Announced April 2024 – (2024 Awards)
- Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program – Announced February 2023 – (2022 Awards)
These projects represent significant federal investments in local infrastructure and sustainability. Missing deadlines could mean forfeiting funds or jeopardizing future awards.
What Cities Should Do Right Now
- Leverage NLC Tools: use the Rebuilding America dashboard to review USDOT grantees and track program details.
- Contact Your Congressional Delegation: urge your Senators and Representative to press DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to release FEMA grant awards before Oct. 1.