The State of Montana has $28,000 available through the Federal FY 2015 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant Program and has offered a subgrant to the City of Billings Bomb Squad for training.  This will be the City's seventh year receiving Homeland Security Grant funds. Through previous years' funding, expensive equipment has been acquired that requires maintenance, upgrades, training and enhancements.  The bomb squad has five members that require 40 hours of training per year.  Funds will be used for costs associated with this training. 
Staff recommends City Council approve and accept this grant in the amount of $28,000 and authorize the Mayor to sign the award letter when it arrives.  The award documents will be on file in the City Clerk's Office. 

The City Council may:

• Approve the Federal FY 15 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $28,000; or
• Not approve the Federal FY 15 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $28,000; which would result in the General Fund absorbing costs related to Bomb Squad training.

There is no financial impact to the City as there is no City match required for this grant.

Staff recommends City Council approve and accept the Federal FY 2015 Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $28,000 and authorize the Mayor to sign the award documents when they arrive.