DEPARTMENT: Police
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant from the Texas Department of Transportation
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing a grant application and award for the Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant in the amount not to exceed $900,000 for the period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This grant enhances the San Antonio Police Department’s (SAPD) efforts to combat incidences of DWI, speeding, occupant protection, distracted driving and intersection related violations. This ordinance authorizes a cash match of $265,000 and in-kind match of $77,500 subject to City Council approval as part of the FY 2022 Budget Process. The total proposed program budget is $1,242,500.
The Public Safety Committee was briefed on this grant on November 17, 2020, and the Committee recommended this item for City Council approval.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant will provide for traffic enforcement and educational activity on an overtime basis to help augment the SAPD’s efforts to reduce the incidence of DWI, speeding, occupant protection, distracted driving and intersection related violations. Enforcement activity will be conducted with sworn officers assigned to the program on an overtime basis and the educational component will consist of both regular duty and overtime assignments. The grant application, if authorized by this City Council ordinance, will be submitted to TxDOT by due date of January 6, 2021.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of application and acceptance of a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant in the amount not to exceed $900,000 for the period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, and authorizes a cash match of $265,000 with an in-kind match not to exceed $77,500 from the Police Department’s FY 2022 Budget.
This program expands the City's efforts in reducing crashes and fatalities with proactive traffic enforcement and public information and education through community outreach provided by the SAFFE units.
ALTERNATIVES:
This grant enhances the San Antonio Police Department’s (SAPD) efforts to combat incidences of DWI, speeding, occupant protection, distracted driving and intersection related violations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes a program budget not to exceed $1,242,500. The total proposed program budget includes grant funds in the amount of $900,000, a cash match of $265,000.00, and an in-kind contribution of $77,500. The City's in-kind contribution will come from the cost of the vehicles used while performing grant activities such as fuel, maintenance, and repairs, and the cost of court appearances by officers who make arrests while performing grant activities.
The City’s cash match of $265,000 and in-kind match of $77,500 is subject to City Council approval as part of the FY 2022 Budget Process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends acceptance of this grant application and award.