Legislation Details

File #: 260849    Version: 0
Type: Resolution Status: In Committee
File created: 10/13/2026 In control: PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE
On agenda: Final action:
Effective date:    
Title: Resolution relative to acceptance and funding of a BioWatch Grant Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Sponsors: THE CHAIR
Attachments: 1. Operating Grant Budget, 2. Grant Analysis, 3. Equity Impact Statement
Number
260849

Version
ORIGINAL

Reference

Sponsor
CHAIR

Title
Resolution relative to acceptance and funding of a BioWatch Grant Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) to accept and fund the BioWatch Grant Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $812,034 if challenged conditions are declared unlawful by a federal court in a pending lawsuit. This is an additional funding source for MFD to assist in detecting aerosolized biological attacks by continuously monitoring the air for specific biological threats using strategically placed air collectors.

Body
Whereas, Under the terms of CFDA/AL Program #97.091, The City of Milwaukee appears to be eligible for grant funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide air monitoring for biological threats; and

Whereas, The operation of this grant project from 8/1/2026 to 7/31/2027 would cost $812,034 entirely provided by the grantor; and

Whereas, Several states, including Wisconsin, are challenging certain conditions of the award on behalf of states and their political subdivisions in federal lawsuits titled State of Illinois v. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Case No. 1:25-cv-00206 (D. R.I. 2025) and State of Illinois v. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Case No. 1:26-cv-00485 (D. R.I. 2026) now, therefore, be it

Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is authorized and, if the challenged award conditions are declared unlawful, the Fire Department shall accept this grant without further approval unless the terms of the grant change as indicated in Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Section 304-81; and, be it

Further Resolved, That, upon the acceptance of the award, the City Comptroller is authorized to commit funds within the Project/Grant Parent of the 2026 Special Revenue Gra...

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