ORDINANCE authorizing submission of an electronic application for Grant Assistance to THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FOR THE FY2020 PORT SECURITY GRANT in accordance with the FY2020 Port Security Grant; 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

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 (not to exceed five years).

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), Houston Fire Department (HFD), and HITS Radio Communications Services. To include:

·       Radio Backhaul System Cyber Infrastructure Protection;

·       HPD Marine and Air Unit Patrol Enhancements;

·       HFD Fire Fighting Prop; and

·       HFD Hazmat Support.

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 all of the proposed projects.

Fiscal Note:

No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.

_______________________

George T. Buenik, Director

Kimberly House, Division Manager Phone - 832-393-0930