DeKalb committee recommends $382,606 UASI grant for bomb unit, helicopter downlink and training

The DeKalb County IRPS Committee on the record recommended approval of a 2023 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant in an amount not to exceed $382,606.81 to fund equipment and services for regional emergency response.

Chief Patrick, presenting the item, said the grant supports shared Metro-Atlanta assets and outlined planned purchases including explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) equipment and vehicles, a bomb truck and a common subscription for helicopter downlink and audiovisual capability. "This is our UASE Urban Area Security Initiative grant," Chief Patrick said, describing the county's participation alongside Atlanta, Fulton, Clayton and Cobb counties. He added the grant is federally funded through the Atlanta Regional Commission and that agencies in the region share equipment when needed.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about EOD terminology and whether any additional World Cup–related equipment funding had been received; the chief said UASI had not provided extra equipment funding tied to FIFA-related events and that some grant requests were denied, with current World Cup discussions focused on overtime reimbursement.

The committee moved and approved the item by voice vote, recommending execution of the necessary documents to accept the grant and purchase equipment. The approval is a recommendation from committee to the full board and does not by itself obligate final board action.

Next steps: staff will prepare the grant execution documents and follow the board’s procurement and contract processes for the equipment purchases and training associated with the award.