Discussion and possible action to ratify the submission of a 2016 Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LEPTA) grant application to the Office of the Governor Homeland Security Grants Division (HSGD) in the amount estimated at $154,975 for interoperable communications equipment and supplies to provide enhanced interoperable communications at the Webb County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center and for peace officers; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any type of match.
Issue: Since the tragedy of 9/11, the urgent need for expanded and enhanced interoperable communications for first responders in the United States was understood to help save the lives of both first responders and the people they serve.
Solution: Grant application to provide enhance interoperable communications for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Communications Center and the many law enforcement agencies and other first responders they serve and assist.
Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center, its 911 operators, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, other local law enforcement agencies, and other first responders will have increased interoperability capacities.
Background:
Per section 2006 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended (6 U.S.C. § 607), DHS/FEMA is required to ensure that at least 25 percent (25%) of grant funding appropriated for grants awarded under HSGP’s authorizing statute are used for law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. DHS/FEMA meets this requirement, in part, by requiring all SHSP and UASI recipients to ensure that at least 25 percent (25%) of the combined HSGP funds allocated under SHSP and UASI are dedicated towards law enforcement terrorism prevention activities, as defined in 6 U.S.C. § 607. The LETPA allocation can be from SHSP, UASI or both. Neither the local Council of Government (COG) nor the City of Laredo nor Webb County currently receive UASI funding.