City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: COREY SMEDLEY, FIRE CHIEF
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of a Grant Application to the 2023 State Homeland Security Program Grant through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Training.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the 2023 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to fund specialized hazardous material training to meet standards established for State (Regional) Hazardous Material Teams as well as enhance response capabilities.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Authorize the application of a grant application for up to $19,350; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The State Homeland Security Program is a grant program administered by VDEM. Grant applications are submitted to support Homeland Security efforts in local jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funds for the program are provided by the National Preparedness Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Grant Program. Allowable expenditures include equipment, exercises, and training.
DISCUSSION: The Department plans to bring an outside training company in to deliver a training program over three days to our Hazardous Materials Team members to better equip them to respond to certain hazardous incidents.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Fire Department is requesting to apply for grant funds up to the amount of $19,350 to enhance the preparedness and abilities of our hazardous materials team members. The grant is a 100% funded project which requires no cash match from the City of Alexandria. City staff will administer the grant. The City is also responsible for the normal administrative costs associated with this grant, including financial and reporting oversight provided by the Fire Department, as well as the Office of Management and Budget, and the Finance Department.
The City has applied for and has been awarded this grant in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
STAFF:
Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager