ORDINANCE authorizing the submission of an electronic application for grant assistance to the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY for the FY2016 Port Security Grant in accordance with the FY2016 Port Security Grant Program; declaring the City’s eligibility for such grant; authorizing the director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security to act as the City’s representative in the application process, to accept the grant and expend the grant funds as awarded, and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides grant funds to states and local jurisdictions for use in strengthening critical infrastructure against terrorist attack. The Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) funding is available to entities for  improving port-wide maritime security risk management; enhancing maritime domain awareness; supporting maritime security training and exercises; and for  maintaining maritime security mitigation capabilities. This is a nationally-competitive program, and the award expectation is uncertain.

The City of Houston requests authorization to apply for, accept, and manage funds that will be used to purchase equipment and training for the Houston Police Department (HPD), the Houston Fire Department (HFD), and Houston Information Technology Services (HITS) to include:

·        Geo-Redundant Radio Prime Site Support

·        Houston Police Department Air Support Enhancements and Maintenance

·        Lake Houston Dam Patrol Capabilities

·        Houston Police Department Marine Unit Enhancement

·        Houston Fire Department Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

MATCH REQUIREMENT

This grant program requires 25% local match, which effectively means that the federal government will provide $3 for each $1 that the local government contributes to the project.  The Houston Ship Channel Security District has budgeted the match/local share for 4 of the 5 proposed projects in the amount of $458,225. HFD has committed to provide the required match amount of $160,486 for the PPE project utilizing Fund 1800 – Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Council authorize the director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security to apply for, accept received awards, and to request and/or accept any amendments/modifications to this agreement or any subsequent agreements necessary to secure Houston’s allocation through this grant program.

$1,856,132 - US Department of Homeland Security

Dennis Storemski 832-393-0875