Authorize Application for and, if Awarded, Acceptance of a Texas Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2018 Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant in an Amount of $172,000.00, Authorize Execution of Related Grant Agreements, Authorize Transfer in the Amount of $43,000.00 for the City's Grant Match Requirement and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)

It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Authorize the application for and, if awarded, acceptance of a Texas Department of Transportation Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant for the Fiscal Year 2018 in an amount of $172,000.00;

2.  Authorize the execution of related and necessary Grant Agreements with the Texas Department of Transportation;

3.  Authorize a transfer in the amount of $43,000.00 from the Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund to the Grants Fund for the City's grant match requirement; and

4.  Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund by $215,000.00, subject to approval of grant and receipt of funds.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grants are aimed at reducing the number of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.  The STEP grant will pay for the overtime hours of the officers participating in the program.  A local match of at least 20 percent is required.  

Comprehensive STEP grant activities include enforcement of speed, seatbelt, DWI and intersection traffic control laws.  The total proposed direct program amount, including $43,000.00 in match funds, is $201,094.00.  Funds will be budgeted for overtime and associated fringe benefits for an estimated 2,550 enforcement hours with an additional 251 hours for administering the grant.  The grant will also fund overtime, along with associated fringe benefits, to work public information and education events.  

Accrued Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds, which were included in the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget, will be used to satisfy the City's match requirement.  Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds cannot be used for fringe benefits or for indirect costs. Funds in the amount of $13,906.00 will be requested from TxDOT to cover indirect costs.