passed ordinance

*Accept and appropriate grant for $1,289,621 from the Department of Homeland Security to fund firefighting equipment and training for Portland Fire & Rescue

public safety
grant
budget appropriation

Department: Portland Fire & Rescue
Introduced by: Former Commissioner Rene Gonzalez
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the acceptance of a grant from the Department of Homeland Security, through its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a grant to purchase critically needed resources including: Thermal Imaging Cameras to replace older generation equipment. Vehicle Extrication equipment to replace systems that are at or near 10 years old. Bendix King VHF radios for standardized communications for wildland fires or other emergencies that require multiple agencies to operate on a common frequency. The VHF is also used as a backup system for the 800mhz system. Update EMS Training Aids. HazMat and Technical Rescue Team Training. The grant allows up to 3% Management and Administrations expenses, and will fund Analyst time dedicated to this grant.

Financial impacts

This grant is for $1,289,621.84 A 10% cash match of $117,238.35 is provided by existing equipment and training budget There are no additional or ongoing expenses

Community impacts

The City of Portland straddles three major fault lines, East Bank Fault, Portland Hills Fault, and Oatfield Fault, and is located within the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). The 2018 0-18-02 Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Report states that the expected CSZ magnitude 9.0 earthquake will have a severe impact on Portland. Portland Bureau of Development Services identifies 1,600 unreinforced masonry buildings in Portland. The DOGAMI report uses FEMA Earthquake Technical Manual and the FEMA Hazus AEBM to identify these buildings as a high probability for collapse in the event of a CSZ magnitude 9.0 earthquake. The HazMat and Technical Rescue trainings will increase the readiness and resilience of the city for a disaster. These grant funds meet PF&R’s mission to keep all communities protected through a combination of prevention, community health programs, and all-hazard response to fire, medical, natural disaster, and other emergencies.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: The Department of Homeland Security, through its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has offered the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program since 2000. The AFG Program focuses on enhancing public safety with respect to fire and fire-related hazards, providing financial assistance for critical training, equipment, enhancing operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience. On November 8, 2021, AFG released the FY 2021 Notice of Funding Opportunity # DHS-21-GPD-044-00-98. On April 7, 2023, FEMA awarded the one-year grant to the City and Portland Fire & Rescue, requiring acceptance within 30 days. AFG Grant # EMW-2021-FG02666 provides $1,289,621.84 for Thermal Imaging Cameras, Vehicle Extrication Equipment, VHF Radios, Emergency Medical Services Training Aids, HazMat and Technical Rescue Team Trainings. A 10% cash match of $117,238.35 is provided by Portland Fire & Rescue’s existing equipment and training budget NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Portland Fire & Rescue Chief is authorized to accept and execute a Department of Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $1,289,621.84, Exhibit A: Award, and to pay $117,238.35 in City matching funds in accordance with the grant condition. The FY 2022/23 budget is hereby amended as follows: GRANTS FUND Fund 217 Business Area – FR00 Bureau Program Expenses– $698,694.04 The Office of Management & Finance Grants Office is authorized to perform all administrative matters in relation to the grant application, grant agreement or amendments, requests for reimbursement from the grantor, and to submit required online grant documents on the Bureau’s behalf. Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because the grant application must be submitted no later than May 7, 2023; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.

Tally

5 yea 0 nay