COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

AREA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DATE:

April 2, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 22, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Sheriff Don Horsley, OES Area Coordinator

SUBJECT:

Approval of FY03 Homeland Security Grant for the San Mateo Operational Area

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the OES Area Coordinator or his designee:

1. To submit a grant application to California Office of Homeland Security (OHS) through U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for administration of grant awards to supplement, modify, amend, or add emergency programs and annexes in the amount not to exceed $736,206.

2. To execute the grant agreement and any other documents required by and for the program described in the grant.

Background

DHS is providing financial grants to each of the states for the FY03 Homeland Security Grant through the OHS. To receive funding the San Mateo Operational Area is required to submit a complete application that, in part, includes a resolution from the governing board (San Mateo County Board of Supervisors). This grant program allows continued expansion and enhancement through four basic areas: planning, equipment, training and exercises. The grant program is 100% funded requiring no matching funds.

Discussion

Changes in local, state, national and international conditions have precipitated the necessity for reviewing, updating and upgrading current preparedness, response, and recovery plans and procedures. This grant will allow jurisdictions to take advantage of funding to revise their plans and procedures, facilitate drafting of plans for community response group, and attending related trainings. San Mateo County Area Office of Emergency Services (OES) will serve as the administrator for the distribution to County cities and special districts.

County Counsel has reviewed the resolution as to form and finds it in order.

Vision Alignment

The program keeps the commitment of responsive, effective, and collaborative government and goal number 22: County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County. The grant contributes to this commitment and goal by providing equipment to first responders of local communities and improves the response capabilities of individuals responding to biological, chemical, or radiological terrorism incidents.

Fiscal Impact

There is no impact on the County, OES, or Sheriff's Office net county cost. The $736,206 grant will be utilized for the supplementing and enhancing existing capabilities and facilitating exercises and training. Much of the funding will be channeled to city and special district fire and police services throughout the county. Existing OES staff resources will be used to administer this grant program.