NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has joined a multistate lawsuit seeking $17 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, alleging the agencies withheld grant funds promised to the state.
Jackson said the federal government refused to release emergency management and homeland security funds used to support disaster response efforts.
He said the funding is vital for responding to natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene, which required deploying trained emergency personnel, conducting rescue operations and maintaining services during widespread power outages.
The lawsuit also argues that local law enforcement agencies depend on the grants for training, school safety initiatives, equipment purchases and drone detection technology.
According to Jackson, the federal government placed an “unlawful hold” on one grant and shortened the deadline to use funds from another without explanation or congressional approval.
“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,” Jackson said in a statement.
Ten other state attorneys general and the governor of Kentucky have joined the lawsuit. The case remains pending.
