DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Frank Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program Grant at San Antonio International Airport
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes the City of San Antonio to participate in the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program at the San Antonio International Airport. As part of the agreement, TSA will reimburse the City of San Antonio for $50,500.00 per team annually for up to $1,515,000.00 for five years. The amount awarded annually will depend on the number of teams deployed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), was designed to assist airports in explosives detection by providing canines, training for both personnel and canines, and providing reimbursement of operating expenses. The San Antonio Airport System has participated in the program since 2002.
The Cooperative Agreement provides funding for canine team per year from the TSA assigned to the San Antonio International Airport. Under the five-year agreement that will become effective January 1, 2015, TSA allots an annual amount of $50,500.00 per team.
ISSUE:
Approval of the grant agreement with TSA is consistent with City policy to seek other sources of funds and collaborate with other governmental agencies to provide services to its citizens.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could continue the program but decline the TSA grant funding, thereby increasing the cost to the City for the program. City Council could amend the terms of the agreement with the TSA to limit the funding cost to the City, but this action would require approval by the Federal Security Director of the Department of Homeland Security, and might have a negative impact on future federal grant applications.
FISCAL IMPACT:
With the authorization of participation in the program, the...
Click here for full text