Discuss and take appropriate action on the Local Initiative Project (LIP) grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to implement and enhance enforcement of counterfeit registration insignias (i.e., counterfeit temporary/provisional license plates) and related counterfeit vehicle inspection reports.

Since the move to a one sticker program there has been use of similar unlawful acts utilizing counterfeit dealer and similar illicit provisional plates. This activity causes loss of registration revenue to the County's tax assessor and, as a focus of TCEQ's emission reduction programs, circumvents emission reduction testing. LIP has available grant funds for the 2016 and 2017 state fiscal years, representing 77% of the total project cost. The County has the opportunity to utilize grant funds totaling $120,437.09 by providing a 23% match of the total cost or $35,290.94. Our required match will be entirely provided through vehicle costs already included in the FY2018 Sheriff's Office budget and indirect costs; a cash match will not be required. No additional personnel will be added and if state funding is depleted prior to the program completion date, enhanced enforcement will be concluded and normal enforcement efforts will resume. If any unused funds remain at the project end date, they will be returned to TCEQ. The FY 2016 funds must be expended by 8-31-18 and the FY 2017 funds must be expended by June 28, 2019. The program will begin immediately upon final approval from TCEQ. The Sheriff's Office will work in consultation with DPS to identify and reduce the number of counterfeit registration insignias and counterfeit vehicle inspection reports within the County. The Sheriff's Office will provide enforcement data to the DPS on a quarterly basis and notify them of any major investigations related to vehicle inspections or emissions, while DPS will send tips or leads to the Sheriff's Office for investigative consideration.

Staff recommends the following action: Approve application for a Local Initiative Project grant to initiate enhanced enforcement on counterfeit registration insignias and related counterfeit vehicle inspection reports and authorize appropriate Sheriff's Office and environmental personnel to complete TCEQ documentation relevant to implementation of the grant.