To: Board of Supervisors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: FY 21 State Homeland Security Grant Program - Skid Loader and Trailer
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing Board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, RATIFY the Fire District's grant application; and APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to accept grant funding from the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP), in an amount not to exceed $250,000, for the purchase of a skid loader and trailer.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) will receive up to $250,000 in federal funds for the purchase of a skid loader and trailer. There is no local agency cost sharing requirement. The grant deadline for completion is March 30, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is responsible for designing and implementing homeland security initiatives and ensuring that the state is ready to protect lives and property by effectively preparing for, preventing, responding to, and recovering from all threats, crimes, hazards, and emergencies. To help fulfill this mission, Cal OES administers a pass-through program of federal homeland security grant funds to local public agencies throughout California. This program is critical to maintaining the quality and quantity of homeland security initiative programs provided within the County.
The grant funds were awarded to the Fire District after additional funds became available subsequent to the initial round of awards.
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has requested funds for the purchase of one skid steer loader and one trailer to assist with fire trail maintenance. Skid loaders are maneuverable and lightweight and can perform heavy tasks in small spaces. They can be used for digging, trenching, excavation, and hauling materials. The trailer will allow the skid loader to be transported to the fire trails.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without this grant, the District will lose the opportunity to purchase an important piece of equipment used to maintain the area’s fire trails unless an alternate funding method is identified. Fire trails are essential to provide firefighters access to the landscape to prevent, fight, manage and contain vegetation fires.