The State of Montana has $151,000 available through the FY13 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant Program and has offered a subgrant to the City of Billings Bomb Squad for training and for purchasing new equipment.  This will be the City's sixth year receiving Homeland Security Grant funds.  A majority of the new grant money will go toward the purchase of an additional robot.  The Billings bomb squad is the only one in the eastern half of Montana.  Having two robots enables the squad to respond to multiple incidents across a large geographic area and it will be used locally as needed.  The bomb squad has six members that require 40 hours of training per year.  Grant funds will also be used toward costs associated with this training. 

The City Council may:

• Authorize the Police Department to apply for the FY 13 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $151,000; or
• Not authorize the Police Department to apply for the FY 13 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $151,000; which would result in the General Fund absorbing costs related to Bomb Squad training and equipment.

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

Staff recommends City Council authorize the Police Department to apply for the FY 13 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $151,000 and authorize the Mayor to sign the award letter when it arrives.