Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 19, 2016
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: FY 2016 FEDERAL HOMELAND SECURITY AND STATE PROPOSITION 1B SECURITY PROJECTS
ACTION: APPROVE PROGRAMMING RECOMMENDATION AND RELATED ACTIONS
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER:
A. APPROVING programming of up to $17.233 million from fiscal year (FY) 2016 Federal Department of Homeland Security Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) and State Proposition 1B California Transit Security Grant Program
funds that are available for eligible capital transit projects, as shown in
Attachment A;
B. AMENDING the FY 2017 budget to add $1.13 million in revenues and expenditures to begin implementing the recommended TSGP project shown in Attachment A; and
C. ADOPTING the required FY 2016 resolution, as shown in Attachment B, authorizing the Chief Executive Officer to execute any actions necessary for obtaining state financial assistance that the California Office of Emergency Services may provide.
Issue
ISSUE
The Board of Directors must approve the programming of $17.233 million in federal and state transit security grant funding for the eligible operating projects, before we can begin to draw down such funding according to grant guidance. The funding will implement actions to address vulnerabilities at operating and maintenance facilities, and construction of the Center Street Emergency Operations Center.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
In July 2015, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced awards from Congress that appropriated $87 million through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, Division D (Public Law 112-74). The TSGP is one of the DHS FY 2016 grant programs that directly support transportation infrastructure security activities. The application process for applying for these funds was competitive. We were awarded $1.13 million out of the $87 million appropriated funds for TSGP. In December 2015, the State Controller’s Office (SCO) also notified Metro that it was allocated $16.103 million under the FY 2016 state Proposition 1B Transit Security Program for eligible transit system safety, security and disaster response capital projects. The Board of Directors must approve the programming of $17.233 million combined for eligible capital projects, before Metro begins to draw down funds according to grant guidelines.
Federal TSGP Funding
Federal TSGP funding may be used for protecting critical infrastructure within our transit system from terrorism, especially explosives and non-conventional threats that would cause major loss of life and severe disruption within the greater Los Angeles region. Since 2004, we have received an estimated $65 million in federal transit security funds. These grants have been used to harden subway security, enhance bus facility surveillance, operate random patrols throughout the transit system, and provide terrorist awareness training for the majority of the transit staff. The $1.13 million available in FY 2016 TSGP funding is recommended to be programmed for transit security activities shown in Attachment A. We submitted our applications for this funding on April 22, 2016. These FY 2016 TSGP federal funds must be encumbered and expended by August 31, 2019, and we anticipate expending the entire funds by end of FY 2017.
State Proposition 1B Funding
In November 2006, California voters approved Proposition 1B (Prop 1B), which authorized $19.925 billion of state general obligation bonds for specified transportation purposes, including transit modernization and transit safety and security improvements. Under Prop 1B, the state established the $600 million, Transit Security Program (or the California Transit Security Grant Program - California Transit Assistance Fund [CTSGP-CTAF], as identified by California Emergency Management Agency). In previous years, we have programmed, applied for, and received an allocation of $145 million for Metro security and safety projects. The $16.103 million available in FY 2016 State Proposition 1B California Transit Security Grant Program funding is recommended to be programmed for the project shown in Attachment A. We submitted our funding applications for state review before the January 15, 2016 deadline. FY 2016 Transit Security state bond funds must be encumbered and expended by March 31, 2019.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The implementation of these federal and state funded transit security projects will improve safety. In particular, the state funding will be allocated towards the building of the new Emergency Operation Center, which would allow a safer system for our employees and patrons.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No expenses for the projects listed in Attachment A are included in the FY 2017 Budget. If approved, $1.13 million for the TSGP-funded project will be added to the FY 2017 Budget in Cost Center 2610, System Security & Law Enforcement, to continue project implementation once the federal agency issuing the grant award authorizes expenses to be incurred. The remaining funds of $16.103 million for the Prop 1B funded project will be included in future year budgets. As this is a multi-year project, Cost Center 2610 will be accountable for budgeting the costs required in future years.
Impact to Bus and Rail Operating and Capital Budget
The funds programmed by this action will come from $1.13 million in federal Transit Security funds to finance the eligible operating project shown in Attachment A. These activities may impact our bus and rail budgets because operating funds are required to sustain the security projects at an estimated cost of $1 million per year.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board of Directors may choose not to program funding or approve the related resolution. We do not recommend these options because without Board approval, we cannot access the $17.233 million in available federal and state transit security funds for the needed transit security projects shown in Attachment A.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
With Board approval, we will process the necessary documents with the appropriate awarding agency to secure up to $17.233 million in transit security funds available. We also will work to ensure timely implementation of the project and monitor grant compliance activities.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - FY 2016 TSGP and Prop 1B Project List
Attachment B - Governing Body Resolution
Prepared_by
Prepared by: James Allen, Senior Manager, Transportation Planning, Regional Grants Management, (213) 922-2556
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Therese W. McMillan, Chief Planning Officer, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 922-7077
