ORDINANCE authorizing the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security to electronically submit applications for Subrecipient Grant Assistance and execute and accept Subrecipient Grant Agreements with the STATE OF TEXAS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR  relating to the FY2023 Port Security Grant Program funding from the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Program;  declaring the City’s eligibility for such Grants; authorizing the Director 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; containing provisions relating to the subject; including amendments or modifications to these agreements or any subsequent documents necessary to secure the City’s Grant Funding through the life of these Grant Awards

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) is a national competitive program that offers funding 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.

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

• Specialized equipment and training for HPD’s Port Patrol Unit and Dive Team
• Specialized CBRNE response vehicle for HFD
• Fire Fighting training simulator for HFD

MATCH REQUIREMENT

This grant program requires 25% local cost share; however, that requirement exempts HFD training in this award. The Houston Ship Channel Security District (HSCD) has budgeted the local share for a portion of the projects. HSCD’s contribution of $243,445 will be reimbursed to the City of Houston. Houston Fire Department will contribute $400,000 towards the local share and remainder of the cost for the response vehicle.  Houston Police Department will fund $13,750 to meet the balance of the match requirement.

Fiscal Notes:

• No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.
• Funding for this item is included in the FY2024 Adopted Budget. Therefore,  no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies

_____________________________

George T. Buenik, Director

$1,827,339 - Federal Government Fund (5000)

     $13,750 - General Fund (1000)

   $400,000 - General Fund (1000)

   $243,445 - Other Government Fund (5040)

Kimberly House, Division Manager

Mayor's Office