The Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department recommends that City Council approve a First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Houston and the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) for participation in the Freeway Crash Removal Pilot Program. The First Amendment will extend the pilot’s termination date from January 31, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highway traffic has reduced considerably which does not allow a basis for reporting to H-GAC of implementation of the pilot program. The requested extension will provide additional time to correctly gauge this pilot program’s progress for reporting purposes. No additional funds will be provided due to the extension of this pilot program.
As background, HPD developed a pilot program to remove crashes from the freeway through remote investigation. HPD officers will remotely investigate crashes and authorize their removal, if appropriate, from the freeway. The goal of the program is to remove crashes efficiently to restore traffic flow, reduce calls for service, and protect the public and first responders from the risk of secondary crashes on extended scenes. H-GAC will provide grant funding of up to $210,000.00 with no cost obligation to the City (Ordinance No. 2020- 0252).
Fiscal Note:
No Fiscal Note is required for grant items.
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Art Acevedo
Chief of Police