HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Memo 2DATE:
TO: Honorable Chairman Joe A. Martinez and
Members, Board of County Commissioners
FROM: , Georg��.. ess
County 1�'�• - r. _ ��t/�--"`�
January 24, 2006
SUBJECT: Aw- of ederal Fund from the Port Security Grant Program for the Miami -Dade
Police Department (MDPD)
Memorandum DADE
COUNTY
Agenda Item No. 8(T){1}(C)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve the attached resolution authorizing the County Manager to
receive $1,611,140 in federal funds from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), available
under the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)-Round V to support the Miami -Dade Police
Department (MDPD) and the Miami Police Department. The grant covers a period of September 15,
2005 through June 1, 2008 and does not require any matching local or in -kind funds.
BACKGROUND
In 2003, under Title 46, of the United States Code, Chapter 701 "Port Security" and its subdivision
70103 (a) "Maritime Transportation Security Plans," the US Coast Guard required a comprehensive
port security plan for the Port of Miami River. Although there was no funding associated with this
federal mandate, Miami -Dade County, City of Miami and other interested parties implemented the
Miami River Law Enforcement Security Initiative.
The Port Security Grant Program fortifies security at our nation's critical ports and maritime facilities.
These funds are made available on a competitive basis to ports across the country in order to provide
an added layer of security and help fund federal mandates. The primary goal of this initiative, as
required, is to provide 24 hour monitoring, patrolling, surveillance and security inspections (above and
below the waterline) through the Port of Miami and Port of Miami River. This 30 month program will
improve the sharing of security information and the coordination, cooperation, command, and control
procedures to improve the security at the Port of Miami and the Port of Miami River. Funds will allow
Jaw enforcement personnel to conduct more operations and inspections.
Grant awards made under this program are project based. MDPD's grant application, as submitted for
consideration, included three specific projects totaling $3,248,170. The granting body (DOJ), however,
elected to fund only two projects: Project 1 for port security boats ($1,305,670) and Project 3 for dive
equipment ($305,470). The total amount of funds awarded ($1,611,140) will be utilized for the purchase
of specially equipped boats, floating dock systems, underwater robots, and specialized dive gear. The
funding for this equipment is not included in MDPD's FY 2005/06 budget. The program will be
implemented in concert with the City of Miami Police Department, the US Coast Guard and the Port of
Miami River Marine Group. While the MDPD will manage the entire award, the funds for the purchase
of equipment will be divided between MDPD ($868,870) and Miami Police Department ($742,270).
Honorable Chairman Joe A. Martinez and Members,
Board of County Commissioners
Page 2
The Port of Miami has also been awarded $1,762,120 in grant funding from Round V of the Port
Security Grant Program for security enhancements.
Susanne M. Torriente
Assistant County Manager