SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF 2023 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE GRANT FUNDS AND ESTABLISH APPROPRIATIONS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) focuses on regional governance, strategic planning, and collaboration to enhance preparedness and security. The UASI provides financial assistance to address the unique needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas in preventing, protecting against, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from threats or acts of terrorism. On September 12, 2023 (5), the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted a resolution to authorize the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to submit grant applications related to disaster planning and support of emergency responders throughout the region, such as the UASI.
On May 14, 2024, OES was awarded $1,720,194 Fiscal Year 2023 UASI grant funds, passed through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and sub-granted through the City of San Diego. OES is responsible for administering and distributing grant funds in the County for terrorism prevention, preparedness and response efforts. Accepting UASI grant funds will significantly bolster the region’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist threats and catastrophic events by providing essential resources and support.
Today’s actions request the Board to authorize the acceptance of $1,720,194 in UASI grant funds, establish appropriations in the Office of Emergency Services ($960,784) and the Department of Animal Services ($250,000). In addition, today’s action includes a request to authorize the Director of the Office of Emergency Services, or designee, to sign all grant documents and any annual extensions, amendments, and/or revisions thereof that do not materially impact or alter the services or funding level.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Authorize the Office of Emergency Services to accept $1,720,194 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative for the period September 1, 2023 through December 15, 2025.
2. Authorize the Director, Office of Emergency Services, or designee to sign all required grant documents, including agreements for the distribution of grant funds where necessary to carry out the purposes of the grant program, and any annual extensions, amendments and/or revisions thereto that do not materially impact or alter the services or funding level.
3. Establish appropriations of $250,000 in the Department of Animal Services, Capital Assets Equipment to purchase mobile livestock emergency sheltering supplies with associated trailers for equipment transport based on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative grant. (4 VOTES)
4. Establish appropriations of $960,784 in the Office of Emergency Services, Services & Supplies ($738,999) for a public outreach and engagement campaign, regional fuel contingency plan, and to purchase a Regional Readiness - Emergency Operations Center tool kit, and in Capital Assets Equipment ($221,785) to purchase a Mass Casualty Apparatus based on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative grant. (4 VOTES)
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Today’s requested actions to accept the Fiscal Year 2023 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funds significantly benefits efforts for equity in the region. Designated as a high-threat urban area, the San Diego region receives approximately $16 million annually from the UASI program. These funds support critical initiatives that enhance public safety, emergency management, and risk management. By investing in preparedness, information sharing, and risk reduction, the County of San Diego ensures a more equitable and resilient community.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Sustainable emergency management involves recognizing and assessing risks in a way that considers long-term impacts and environmental factors. The Board of Supervisors acceptance of Fiscal Year 2023 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funds bolsters public safety readiness while aligning with the County’s sustainability goals.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are not included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operational Plan for the Office of Emergency Services and Department of Animal Services. Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operational Plan for the Department of Environmental Health and Quality. If approved, this request will result in current year costs and revenue of $250,000 in the Department of Animal Services, $509,410 in the Department of Environmental Health and Quality, and $960,784 in the Office of Emergency Services. The funding source is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative grant. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Advisory Group plays a crucial role in evaluating UASI project proposals. This group comprises representatives from various public safety agencies, including law enforcement, fire services, and emergency management from across the region. They provide funding recommendations to the Urban Area Working Group (UAWG).
The UAWG, a collaborative subcommittee of the Unified Disaster Council, is responsible for setting policies and programs for the San Diego Urban Area, including the allocation of UASI funds. On December 14, 2022, with 14 members present, the UAWG unanimously approved the funding allocation for the Fiscal Year 2023 UASI.
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant program, enhances high-density, high-threat urban areas’ capabilities to prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other major hazards. San Diego was designated as a high-threat urban area, eligible for UASI funding in 2003. The UASI focuses on risk management and critical infrastructure protection, involving collaboration across governments, the private sector, and the community. On September 12, 2023 (5), the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted a resolution to authorize the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to submit grant applications related to disaster planning and support of emergency responders throughout the region, such as the UASI program.
On May 14, 2024, Office of Emergency Services was awarded $1,720,194 Fiscal Year 2023 U.S. Department of Homeland Security UASI grant funds, passed through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and sub-granted through the City of San Diego. The Office of Emergency Services (OES) is responsible for administering and distributing grant funds in the County for terrorism prevention, preparedness and response efforts.
Projects Awarded Grant Funding
The Department of Animal Services’ projects include the purchase of mobile livestock emergency sheltering supplies and trailers to promote the efficient and secure transportation and housing of animals during emergencies, thereby reducing the risk of injury and stress to both the animals and handlers. The Department of Environmental Health and Quality will utilize funding in support of the Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) to purchase emergency and terrorism incident protective clothing, 800 MHz compatible hands-free communication devices and radios, a toxic gas detector, and a chemical agent detector. The purchase of these essential materials serves to enhance protection and communication capabilities, thereby enabling first responders to effectively manage hazardous incidents and minimize risks to themselves and the public. Funding awarded to OES will be used for several projects, including a public outreach and engagement campaign, a regional fuel contingency plan, and the acquisition of a Regional Readiness - Emergency Operations Center tool kit. These projects collectively enhance safety by ensuring effective communication, preparedness, and response capabilities during emergencies, thereby minimizing risks and improving overall community resilience. Grant funds will also be used to purchase a Mass Casualty Apparatus, which is a specialized vehicle equipped with triage and treatment tools, medical supplies, communication devices, and portable power sources to efficiently manage and respond to large-scale emergencies.
Today’s actions request the Board to authorize the acceptance of $1,720,194 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative grant, and establish appropriations in Office of Emergency Services ($960,784) and in the Department of Animal Services ($250,000). In addition, today’s action includes a request to authorize the Director of the Office of Emergency Services, or designee, to sign all grant documents and any annual extensions, amendments, and/or revisions thereof that do not materially impact or alter the services or funding level.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed actions support the Sustainability and Community Initiatives of the County of San Diego’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan by funding emergency responders throughout the region with additional equipment, training, exercises, and emergency planning to help maximize the effectiveness of the response to any disaster and ensure the safety of all communities.
Respectfully submitted,
ebony n. shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
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