NC Attorney Gen. Jeff Jackson sues to protect $17M for first responders and natural disaster victims

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for withholding funds for disaster relief, emergency management, and homeland security operations.

The state claims the action threatens North Carolina's ability to respond quickly, and protect those who are impacted during natural disasters and public safety crises like Hurricane Helene.

"Our emergency management and first responder teams worked around the clock in the weeks following Hurricane Helene, and these funds were critical to their work. We're in hurricane season right now, and without these funds, we'll be left with fewer resources to help people during the next storm that hits North Carolina," said Jackson.

The Federal Emergency Management Performance Grant and the Homeland Security Grant Program help fund North Carolina's emergency management response, first responders, homeland security, and terrorism prevention.

North Carolina used emergency management grant funds to prepare and respond to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, including activating and deploying trained first responders before and after the storm, preparing lifesaving rescue operations and shelters, and working during widespread power and communications outages.

Local law enforcement agencies also utilize grant money to train, conduct drills, detect drones, and purchase equipment for bomb squads and search and rescue teams.

Congress passed a law setting the amount of grant money each state should receive, but since the federal government placed a hold on the money and shortened the time period to spend funds, North Carolina will not be able to effectively use all of the funding for state and local emergency programs and public safety efforts.

SEE ALSO: NC Attorney General thinking about additional action as Trump threatens not release SNAP funds