TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Chief Russ Mager, Police Department
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: November 19, 2024
Title
APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION AND AWARD/FDOT/IMPAIRED DRIVING PROGRAM
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to approve application and award for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY 24/25 Impaired Driving Enforcement program.
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Background:
The Police Department is requesting approval to submit an application and accept an award for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY 24/25 Impaired Driving program. Funding from this grant provides for overtime salary for officers that will engage in impaired driving education and enforcement activities. The Delray Beach Police Department believes that this funding will help to provide the citizens of Delray Beach with safer roads.
FDOT’s Highway Safety Program is designed to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive data-driven traffic safety program aimed at saving lives, preventing injuries, and reducing related costs associated with traffic crashes on Florida’s roadways. The Delray Beach Police Department seeks to protect the citizens of the City by increasing education and enforcement of highway safety regulations. This grant will provide funding support for those efforts.
In 2023, there were 3,271 crashes recorded in Delray Beach which resulted in 15 fatalities and over 665 injuries. In 2023, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY2022 Highway Safety Matrix, Delray Beach ranked #7 out of 104 cities with a population of 15,000-74,999 in regard to impaired driving. The FDOT FY2022 Highway Safety Matrix also ranked Palm Beach County #6 out of 26 counties. There is a clear need for increased enforcement and education in Delray Beach. The city has a thriving and growing downtown with restaurants, bars and nightclubs that are lively with residents and visitors from all over the country and world. This enforcement and education initiative is vital to reduce impaired crash-related injuries and fatalities.The hope is that with increased enforcement, high visibility, and education we can decrease DUI crash numbers that cause serious bodily injury and/or fatalities. During the grant period, theTraffic Unit will participate in the County Wide DUI Saturation enforcement initiatives, like "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaigns and work on holidays when there will be increased DUI crash probabilities. The Traffic Unit will participate in community events to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of driving sober. DUI educational material will be provided at each event.
If FDOT approves our application, we will be awarded $15,000 for reimbursement of overtime hours spent on the education and enforcement efforts.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
The reimbursable overtime for FY 24/25 is funded in 001-21-110-521.14-20 (Special Services - Reimbursable Overtime) account.
Timing of Request:
In order to start grant activities on project schedule, it is important that grant application and award is approved in November 2024.