Agenda Item Wording:
title
Authorization to Apply for the CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant - Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program for up to $98,000 and submit the application by the February 23, 2025, deadline
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Deadline for Action: 1/21/2025
Submitting Department: Police Department
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Chief Jason Salazar ext. 4215, jason.salazar@visalia.city <mailto:jason.salazar@visalia.city>;
Lieutenant Celeste Sanchez, ext. 4573, celeste.sanchez@visalia.city <mailto:celeste.sanchez@visalia.city>;
Sergeant Henry Martinez, ext. 4222, henry.martinez@visalia.city <mailto:henry.martinez@visalia.city>;
Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, ext. 4250, liz.ybarra@visalia.city <mailto:liz.ybarra@visalia.city>
Department Recommendation:
Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) for up to $98,000 and submit the application by the February 23, 2024, deadline. The Grant is effective for FY 25/26, July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Matching funds are not required. Awards will be announced by early summer 2025.
Summary:
The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) is a valuable funding source that strengthens enforcement efforts against alcohol- and drug-impaired driving. While funded by the Adult Use Marijuana Act (AUMA), the program’s scope extends beyond marijuana impairment, providing enforcement and training opportunities to address all types of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses. CTFGP specifically allocates funds for critical resources such as equipment, training, and specialized enforcement operations. This Grant provides participating agencies with the tools needed for comprehensive DUI enforcement programs, including educational presentations, Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection and Enforcement (ARIDE) training, DUI Saturation Patrols, and DUI Checkpoints.
In July 2024, the Department secured $195,000 through the CTFGP, which supported 15 DUI enforcement operations, DUI training sessions, the purchase of a DUI enforcement vehicle, and supplies for DUI Checkpoints. These resources enable the department to go beyond the scope of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant awarded in September 2024. This additional funding not only expands DUI enforcement operations but also enables the acquisition of supplemental equipment, further enhancing the department’s ability to combat impaired driving effectively.
For the upcoming grant cycle, the Department plans to request approximately $98,000 in funding. This allocation will cover overtime costs for 15 DUI Saturation Patrols and provide support for patrol staffing while officers attend DUI training. Additionally, the Department will seek funding for one car-mounted speed radar.
Background Discussion:
The CHP Grant provides financial assistance to allied agencies for the education, prevention, and the enforcement of laws related to driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The intent of the program is to educate the public regarding the dangers of impaired driving, enforce impaired driving laws on the roadway, and improve the agency’s effectiveness through training and development of new strategies. Public education strategies include social media posts and press releases relating to the dangers of impaired driving and upcoming Department DUI enforcement operations. Education efforts will also include presentations at local schools and community events to inform future drivers of the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Funding for the Grant passed with Proposition 64 in 2016, The Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use Marijuana Act (AUMU); pursuant to Section 34019(f)(3)(B) Revenue and Taxation Code. The CHP adopted regulations within Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Division 2 by adding Chapter 13 which governs this Grant.
Fiscal Impact:
Staff will go back to Council to appropriate the funds if Grant is awarded. There are no matching funds required.
The Grant budget is as follows:
|
CHP Cannabis Grant |
Budget |
|
Overtime |
$78,930 |
|
Training Backfill |
$9,500 |
|
Benefits (6.14%) |
$5,430 |
|
Car Mounted Radar |
$3,727 |
|
Total Budget |
$97,587 |
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: To not apply for the Grant.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) for up to $98,000 and submit the application by the February 23, 2025, deadline.
end
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Solicitation and Chapter 13 CCR for eligible and ineligible project cost details.