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As part of their consent agenda, Suffolk City Council approved two ordinances for two 2024 Port Security Grants during their Wednesday, Oct. 16 meeting.

In a vote of 8-0, council approved an ordinance to accept $256,158 for SPD from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the enhancement of resilience and recovery capabilities of Suffolk on the waters of both the city and Hampton Roads. Funds from the grant will be used to support a boat operator’s course, the renovation cost of the SAFE boat, and the purchase of both boat trailers and infrared cameras. 

“Adoption of the ordinance will increase the revenues and expenditures of the FY 2024-2025 Consolidated Grants Fund budget by the $256,158,” Moor said. “There is a local match of $70,286, which is available in the Consolidated Grants Fund budget.”

Council also approved an ordinance to accept $79,272 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for SFR to support the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue Marine Incident Response Team. Funding will be used to purchase and provide training for the operation of a towed side-scan sonar unit.

“Adoption of the ordinance will increase the revenues and expenditures of the [2024]-25 Consolidated Grants Fund budget by the $79,272, and there is a local match of $26,424, which is available in the Consolidated Grants Fund budget,” Moor said.