DATE:
March 11, 2025
03
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO RECEIVE FUNDS UNDER THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM, AUTHORIZE THE SIGNATURE OF FUTURE GRANT DOCUMENTS AND MAKE CEQA FINDINGS (DISTRICTS: 1, 2 AND 5)
Body
OVERVIEW
Wildfires pose a significant and growing threat to the San Diego region, where the combination of dry conditions, high winds, and rugged terrain creates an ideal environment for fast-moving, destructive fires. Fire stations serve as emergency hubs for the deployment of equipment and first responders to emergency incidents. The devastating wildfires of 2003 and 2007 exposed vulnerabilities in existing infrastructure, leading to widespread reforms in building codes and wildfire mitigation strategies. In response, the County of San Diego (County) has taken significant steps to improve building standards and enhance wildfire resilience.
In 2008, the County established San Diego County Fire (County Fire) to provide coordination and leadership to unincorporated communities with volunteer fire companies and underfunded fire protection districts. Since that time, 20 agencies have consolidated into County Fire and are staffed with around-the-clock, paramedic fire engines through a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE. However, most of the County's fire stations were built prior to 2008 when Chapter 7A of the building code was updated to require the use of fire-resistant materials and design.
The County was awarded $1,239,300 under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program (DHS/FEMA PDM Grant Program), to harden fire stations built prior to the fire code update. County Fire will have a 27.1% match requirement ($460,700), bringing total revenue and project costs to $1.7 million. This funding will support activities at approximately 12 County Fire stations with t...
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