Title
2017 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Acceptance
Action
Action:
A. Authorize the Charlotte Area Homeland Security Director (Charlotte Fire Chief) to accept a grant for $2,269,600 from the United States Department of Homeland Security for the 2017 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program, and
B. Adopt a budget ordinance appropriating $2,269,600 from the Department of Homeland Security to the General Grants and LTD Projects Fund.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Pete Key, Fire
Richard Granger, Fire
Explanation
§ The 2017 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program allowed eligible applicants to apply for funding to aid in the prevention, protection, response, and recovery from terrorist attacks.
§ The City of Charlotte, which has been a recipient of funding from this program since 2004, has once again been awarded the grant by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
- In previous years, the main focus of spending has been on regional communications, including individual portable and mobile radios for regional partners, in addition to infrastructure equipment and improvements, hazardous materials monitoring equipment, and law enforcement tactical equipment.
§ In developing a regional approach, as mandated by the grant guidelines, the following 10 counties were included as part of a regional implementation concept: Cabarrus, Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Lancaster (SC), Mecklenburg, Stanly, Union, and York (SC).
§ The total amount of the grant awarded to the Charlotte UASI was $2.83 million.
- The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management is eligible to retain up to 20 percent of the funds under the program guidelines. As such, the Division has elected to retain the full $567,400 for the management and administration of the grant program and provide continued support to the North Carolina Voice Interoperability Plan for the Emergency Responder radio system.
- The remaining $2.26 million has been awarded to the City of Charlotte.
§ The focus of these funds will be on terrorism preparedness activities such as equipment acquisition, planning, training courses, and drills. Equipment specifics include:
- Equipment to supplement existing Urban Search and Rescue and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) capabilities, including replacement of expired Bomb Squad personal protective equipment;
- Equipment to continue the expansion of the regional radio system;
- UASI Conference costs;
- Hazmat, Bomb Team, and FEMA Training courses for UASI members; and
- The Grants Administrator and Hazmat/Rescue planner positions.
§ There are no City matching funds required for this grant.
Fiscal Note
Funding: 2017 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Memorandum of Agreement
Budget Ordinance