*Accept grant from State of Oregon Department of Emergency Management for $158,000 and appropriate $80,000 for FY 2023-24 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

This legislation authorizes the Mayor to accept and appropriate the FY 2023 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program award on behalf of the City. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments so they may reduce or mitigate future disaster losses in their communities. HMGP provides financial assistance to states that have experienced a presidentially declared disaster. Grant funding is available in Oregon due to the City’s 2020 Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds Disaster (Federal designation HMGP-DR-4562-OR). This Project is part of an update to the 2021 Portland Mitigation Action Plan, which is the City’s strategy to reduce risks from natural hazards. PBEM’s Chief Resilience Officer will be responsible for following the City’s procurement policies and Federal 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidelines to secure a team of qualified consultants, who in turn, will be responsible for implementing four specific project components: Conduct a literature and best practices review of similar earthquake early warning system (EEWS) implementation in other cities and countries. Convene stakeholders from city bureaus that will identify an effective EEWS and post-earthquake activities. Identify controls and hardware needed to implement a program; develop cost estimates for its implementation; and apply for additional FEMA HMGP funding. Develop messaging and communication strategy for system alerts.

This action will increase the Bureau of Emergency Management Grant Fund appropriation by $80,000 for FY 2023-24. Total estimated Project Costs is $200,000. The City will be reimbursed $158,000 (79%) for direct, eligible Project Costs. The non-Federal match shall be 21% of the Project Costs, which will be provided by ODEM. Change in expenses : This legislation does not authorize any additional spending.

Approximately 50 city facilities will be assessed for EEWS implementation. These facilities will include fire stations, police precincts, emergency coordination and communications centers, water and wastewater treatment plants and pump stations, fleet and maintenance operations centers, and high occupancy city-owned office buildings, community centers, and performing arts and spectator venues. Citywide planning is needed to reduce the long-term risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering resulting from an earthquake.