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), the Houston Fire Department (HFD), and Houston Information Technology Services (HITS) to include:
· Geo-Redundant Radio Prime Site Support
· Houston Police Department Air Support Enhancements and Maintenance
· Lake Houston Dam Patrol Capabilities
· Houston Police Department Marine Unit Enhancement
· Houston Fire Department Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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 4 of the 5 proposed projects in the amount of $458,225. HFD has committed to provide the required match amount of $160,486 for the PPE project utilizing Fund 1800 – Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund.
Federal Share(75%
|
Local Share(25%)
|
TOTAL
|
$1,856,132
|
$618,711
|
$2,474,843
|
RECOMMENDATION
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.