DATE: November 6, 2018
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FY18 PORT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM (PSGP) AWARDS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $936,985, REQUIRING A COST MATCH OF $312,329, AND AUTHORIZING THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT (DISTRICT) TO ENTER INTO AWARD AGREEMENTS WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (DHS/FEMA). ALL FUNDS REQUIRED FOR FUTURE FISCAL YEARS WILL BE BUDGETED IN THE APPROPRIATE FISCAL YEAR, SUBJECT TO BOARD APPROVAL UPON ADOPTION OF EACH FISCAL YEAR’S BUDGET.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Port Security Grant Program’s (PSGP) purpose is to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities. The District was eligible to apply as two agencies: the San Diego Unified Port District and Harbor Police.
The following projects received funding:
• Phase II Maritime Area Sensor Program
• Fast Response Patrol Vessel Maintenance
• Emergency Management Program
• Mesh Network for Port-Wide Unified Command
• Phase 4B Fiber Project
The District’s award is $405,656 and Harbor Police will receive $531,329, for a total $936,985. The required cost match is $312,329. The performance period for these grant awards concludes on August 31, 2021 and all project work must be completed by this date.
In accordance with Board Port Commissioners (BPC) Policy 110, the above award allocations are being presented to the BPC for acceptance of award and for authorization to enter into grant award agreements with the DHS/FEMA.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Accepting the FY18 PSGP awards totaling $936,985, authorizing a match of $312,329, and Authorizing the District to Enter into Award Agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency
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FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact at this time. Approval of these items will require a future amendment to the District’s FY 18/19 budget, which staff plans to bring to the Board as part of the mid-year budget review in February 2019.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port that the public understands and trusts.
• A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play.
• A financially sustainable Port that drives job creation and regional economic vitality.
DISCUSSION:
The Port Security Grants Program (PSGP) remains one of the only DHS/FEMA grant programs authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration that directly supports maritime transportation infrastructure security activities. The District’s preparedness to deter crimes and acts of terrorism on tidelands and have the necessary equipment to quickly respond to emergencies or any hazards throughout the tidelands area and the region is largely due to funds received from this program.
In May 2018, the US Department of Homeland Security released the FY18 Notice of Funding Opportunity for PSGP. The District and the Harbor Police Department are considered two entities and may submit separate grant applications. The FY18 PSGP allows each applicant to submit a total of five projects for consideration. In September, DHS/FEMA announced that the District was allocated $405,656 for two projects and the Harbor Police Department was allocated $530,829 for three projects. The total match required is $312,329.
The following projects received funding:
The award letters from FEMA are attached.
In accordance with BPC Policy 110, these awards are being presented to the BPC for award acceptance and to authorize staff to enter into grant award agreements with the DHS/FEMA.
As outlined above, staff recommends the Board accept the FY17 PSGP awards and approve the ordinance with the recommended budget amendments. A companion budget amendment will be made at the planned February 2019 mid-year budget review.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office the General Counsel has reviewed and approved this agenda and the Grant Award and Agreements as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board actions would accept the FY2018 PSGP awards, authorize District staff to enter into Award Agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency. The security-related projects, including Patrol Vessel Maintenance, Emergency Management Program, Mesh Network, Phase 4B Fiber Project, and Maritime Area Sensor Program are Categorically Exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15303 (New Construction or Conversation of Small Structures), and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) because the project in question would involve a negligible expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would have no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees. In addition, all surface areas disturbed by the proposed project would be restored. No further action under CEQA is required.
In addition, the proposed Board actions comply with Section 87 of the Port Act, which allows for the construction, reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of highways, streets, roadways, bridges, belt line railroads, parking facilities, power, telephone, telegraph or cable lines or landings, water and gas pipelines, and all other transportation and utility facilities or betterments incidental, necessary, or convenient for the promotion and accommodation of any of the uses set forth in the section. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the proposed Board actions are consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
Finally, the proposed Board actions are considered “excluded development” pursuant to Section 8.a (Existing Facilities), Section 8.c (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and Section 8.d (Minor Alternations to Land) of the District’s Coastal Development Permit Regulations; therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit is not required.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable
PREPARED BY:
Aimee Heim
Manager, Grants & Policy, Government & Civic Relations
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: Award Letter FY 2018 - Port Security Grant Program
Attachment B: Award Letter FY 2018 - Harbor Police