City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 7, 2022
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: COREY SMEDLEY, CHIEF, FIRE/EMS
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of a Grant application for the 2022 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for Swift Water and Flood Rescue Teams.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application for the 2022 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to fund water rescue equipment to meet minimum equipment capabilities established for State (Regional) Swift Water and Flood Rescue Teams and to increase the training levels of team members.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Authorize the application of a grant for $36,094.86; 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 run by VDEM. The State Homeland Security Program is one of the six grant programs in the FEMA grant system. This year's State Homeland Security Program may allot additional funding for regional swift water and flood rescue teams, under their competitive grant process. The Alexandria Fire Department is part of the statewide and regional water rescue response program. The Alexandria Fire Department Team works side by side with the water rescue programs from the City of Fairfax and Arlington County to provide a statewide response Team. Funds for the program are provided by the National Preparedness Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Grant Program.
This grant has a two-year window for utilization beginning in October of 2022, ending in June of 2024. The monies are preliminarily set to fund personal protective equipment replacement and support equipment, to meet a minimum equipment standard established by VDEM, based on FEMA resource typing.
The fire department would be using these funds to purchase water rescue dry suits, boots, personal floatation vests, and other items which assist the department in meeting the required tools and equipment inventory set by the commonwealth to operate safely in water rescue environments. The grant will also fund two (2) separate boat operator courses for ten (10) members in each course.
DISCUSSION: These funds will assist the City Water Rescue Team in meeting and maintaining the VDEM inventory and training standards. This will help ensure the team has adequate equipment and training to meet the minimum capabilities to meet State and Federal standards.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Fire Department is requesting to apply for grant funds up to the amount of $36,094.86 to enhance the preparedness and abilities of our water rescue team members to effectively respond to, and mitigate flood and water rescue related threats. 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.
STAFF:
Laura Triggs, Deputy City Manager
Corey Smedley, Fire Chief