HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/2011, C 5 - ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION FOR 2011 O
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C I T Y OF SAN LU I S O B I S P O
FROM: Charlie Hines, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Julie Cox, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION
FOR 2011
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize staff to submit a grant application for an estimated $65,000 to the
Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to fund Thermal Imaging
Cameras (TIC's) for fire suppression personnel.
2. If grant is awarded, authorize the City Manager to accept and appropriate the
funds to Fire Department Operating Material and Supplies.
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 primary
goal of the grant program is to help fire departments meet their firefighting and
emergency response needs. In fiscal year 2011, Congress appropriated $404 million for
this grant program, an increase from $390 million in 2010, and a reduction from $565
million in 2009.
During the 2011-2013 Financial Plan Capital Improvement budget process the Fire
Department requested funding for TIC'S. The Council determined that grant funding
should be sought for this equipment. As there are limited grant funds available for Fire
Department Equipment, we are seeking this opportunity for funding TIC's.
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City were to receive full grant funding from the Federal Assistance to Firefighters
.Grant Program for the estimated request of $65,000 it will be required to match the
Federal grant funds equal to 10% of the total project cost. The matching funds will be
covered by funds from the 2011-12 Fire Department budget. There would be no
additional cost to the General Fund.
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2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Page 2
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.
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