The purpose of the FY 2019 HSGP is to support state and local efforts to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events and to prepare the Nation for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States. $250,000 is the amount of the grant award.  Of that total award, $220,000 will be used to cover personnel costs (backfill / overtime) for the six (6) State Regional HazMat Teams [Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, Kalispell] who participate in the training.  The remaining $30,000 will be used by the Billings HazMat Team to replace equipment under the sustainment portion of the grant request.  The performance period for this grant is two (2) years (October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2021). 

City Council may:

• approve accepting the $250,000 for distribution / reimbursement to the Montana Regional HazMat Teams to cover the costs of backfill, overtime and replacement of equipment for the Billings HazMat team;
• or not accept financial assistance submitted under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 State Homeland Security Program, HazMat Team Sustainment project. 

The grant has a two (2) year performance period, ending September 30, 2021. The City of Billings is not required to match this award with any amount of non-Federal funds. Funds dispersed to the Regional HazMat Teams will be on a reimbursement basis.

Fire Department staff are asking the Billings City Council to approve accepting the $250,000 - 2019 State Homeland Security Grant Award and to authorize Jason Lyon, Fire Battalion Chief to act as the Authorized Representative for grant administration and to authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary award documents.