HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/2009, C6 - 2009 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION councit AkeinpDM 5/19/09
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C I T Y O F SAN LU I S OBISPO
FROM: John Callahan, Fire Chief 9e.
Prepared By: Viv R. Dilts, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: 2009 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to submit a grant application in the amount of$70,200 to the Federal Assistance to
Firefighters Grant Program to acquire Personal Protective Equipment, coats and pants, for structural
firefighting.
DISCUSSION
State and federal grants are occasionally offered to assist local governments with the financial
impacts associated with daily operations and/or mandated programs. The Federal Assistance to
Firefighters Grant Program is one of these programs. The purpose of this program is to award one-
year grants directly to fire departments to enhance their abilities with respect to fire and fire-related
hazards. In fiscal year 2008, Congress appropriated $565 million.
Replacing damaged/tom and obsolete structural personal protective equipment will allow San Luis
Obispo City Fire Department to provide 100% protection to all of our 44 Firefighters. Currently a
majority of our Firefightersarewearing turnouts that are badly worn and are not offering optimal
protection. Industry standards have stated that turnouts have a life span of 5 years. Presently, 39 of
the 44 sets of turnouts we have that are in service are 5 years old or older.
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City were to receive full grant funding from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program for
our requests ($70,200), we would have to match the Federal grant funds equal to 10% ($7,020) of
the total project cost.
The matching funds will be covered by budgeted money from Protective Clothing and Equipment
and/or mutual aid revenues. There would be no additional cost to the General Fund.
ALTERNATIVE
The Council could decide not to pursue the grant monies. This is not recommended as fire service
grant opportunities are limited and the grant funds would only serve to enhance the effectiveness of
the Fire Department.
TICouncil Agenda Reports/CAR-2009 FEMA Grant Program