Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution authorizing the submission of an application to, and acceptance of grant funding from, the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, Paul Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act Fund to continue the Austin Police Department Crime Lab Enhancement Project. Funding: $238,847 is available from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. A City funding match is not required.
De
Lead Department
Austin Police Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $238,847 from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division for the project period of October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027. No City expenditure is required.
Prior Council Action:
September 25, 2025 - Council approved Resolution No. 20250925-047 to accept grant funding from the Paul Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act Fund to implement the Austin Police Department Crime Lab Enhancement Project.
For More Information:
Dr. Dana Kadavy, Director, Austin Forensic Science, (512) 974-5118.
Additional Backup Information:
The Office of the City Manager reviewed this grant for alignment as directed by Resolution No. 20200611-096 and recommends approval. This is the 23rd year of the Austin Police Department Crime Lab Enhancement Project. This action will provide the resolution required by the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division to complete the award process related to $238,847 in grant funding. The project period is October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027. A City match is not required.
Office of The Governor’s Criminal Justice Division funding will increase the capacity of the City to safely address the opioid crisis, improve the throughput of the Austin Forensic Science laboratory’s accredited sections, increase analyst skills and abilities, improve timeliness of forensic services, and reduce non-DNA casework backlogs. Funding is budgeted for:
• Personnel $81,086.
• Travel and Training $7,148; and
• Laboratory equipment $150,613.
The grantor requires a resolution approved by the governing body that addresses items 1-5 below:
1. Authorization by the governing body for the submission of the application to the Office of the Governor that clearly identifies the name of the project for which funding is requested;
2. A commitment to provide all applicable matching funds;
3. A designation of the name and/or title of an authorized official who is given the authority to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant (Note: If a name is provided, the applicant must update the resolution should the official change during the grant period.);
4. A designation of the name and/or title of the financial officer who is given the power to submit financial and/or programmatic reports or alter a grant on behalf of the applicant; and
5. A written assurance that, in the event of loss or misuse of grant funds, the governing body will return all funds to Office of the Governor.