ORDINANCE authorizing Director of Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security to execute an agreement between City of Houston and UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY accepting a FY 2015 Port Security Grant in accordance with FY 2015 Port Security Grant Program; declaring the City’s eligibility for such grant; authorizing the Director to execute any subsequent documents necessary to secure the City’s allocations throughout the life of this grant program - DISTRICTS E - MARTIN and I - GALLEGOS

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides grants to states and local jurisdictions to strengthen critical infrastructure against terrorist attack. The Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) is one such DHS initiative that specifically supports port-wide risk management and mitigation, enhanced domain awareness, and resumption of trade (i.e., business continuity) planning.

Funds will be used to purchase equipment and training for the Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Houston Fire Department (HFD). To include: 

• Training aids and opportunities HFD & HPD special response teams
• A foam tender truck for HFD to increase hazardous materials response capabilities
• Enhanced Airborne Response equipment for the two HPD helicopters
• Special Response team equipment for HPD
• Overtime for increased HPD waterside patrols of the Houston Ship Channel Security Zone

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. 

RECOMMENDATION 
It is recommended that Council authorize the director of the Mayor's Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security to accept this award 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. 

Dennis J. Storemski

832-393-0875