The State of Montana has $95,970.56 available through the Federal FY2019 US Department of Homeland Security Grant Program and has offered a subgrant to the City of Billings Bomb Squad for training and equipment.  This will be the City's tenth year receiving Homeland Security Grant funds, which have been used for equipment and training.  

The bomb squad has six members that require 40 hours of training per year.  Funds will be used for costs associated with this training. The Billings Police Bomb Squad is planning to send the six members of the department's bomb squad to a 40 hour training course.  Information obtained at this training will be used and shared with Federal, State and Local members within the bomb disposal community.  The field of ordinance disposal is constantly changing and evolving.  Continued education and training is necessary to maintain competence in this field.  The primary function of the Billings Bomb Squad is to detect, disrupt and defeat any improvised explosive device.  The training requested will enable the Billings Bomb Squad to learn and share the latest information regarding current threats and trends.  The Billings Bomb Squad also plans to purchase real-time X-ray equipment in the amount of $60,000.  
 

The City Council may:

• Approve the Federal FY19 US Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad, in the amount of $95,970.56; or
• Not approve the Federal FY19 US Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad, in the amount of $95,970.56; 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 2019 Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $95,970.56.