ORDINANCE authorizing the submission of Electronic Application for Grant Assistance to the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY for the FY2024 Port Security Grant in accordance with the FY2024 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 

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 for HPD’s Air Support, Interdiction Unit and Marine Unit  
•  Training Simulator for the Fire Fighting Prop for HFD

MATCH REQUIREMENT

This grant program requires 25% local cost share. The Houston Ship Channel Security District (HSCD) has budgeted the local share for the HFD project and a portion of the HPD projects. HSCD’s contribution is $132,723 will be reimbursed to the City of Houston; the balance ($442,685) cash share will be paid by Houston Police Department's general fund budget.

Fiscal Notes:

• No Fiscal Note is required on grant items
• Funding for this is included in FY25 adopted budget, therefore no fiscal note is required as stated in the financial policy.

_____________________________

Larry Satterwhite, Director

$1,726,223.00 - Federal Government Fund (5000)

$442,685.00 - General Fund (1000)

$132,723.00 - Other Government Fund (5040)

$2,301,631.00 - Total

Kimberly House, Division Manager

Mayor's Office