Primary Department: Constables
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Constable James Phillips
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Transmittal
Project ID (if applicable): STEP_2026-HarrisP7-S-1YG-0014
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Texas Department of Transportation/Traffic Safety Division
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: Choose an item.
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 3%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Rate is not 0% and is listed above.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Transmittal by the Constable of Precinct 7 of the grant application submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation/Traffic Safety Division for grant funds in the amount of $554,824.88, with a cash match of $102,500.00 for the FY 2026 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Comprehensive Program.
end
Background and Discussion:
The goal of the STEP program is for TxDOT to develop strategic partnerships with law enforcement to reduce crashes by creating safer driving environments on Texas roadways through high-visibility engagement (HVE). Any accredited law enforcement agency in Texas is eligible for funding through STEP, though priority to receive the funds and the maximum funding amount an agency may receive is based on the number and type of crashes occurring in the applicant jurisdictions The purpose of the one-year grant is to increase effective enforcement and adjudication of traffic safety-related laws to reduce crashes, increase occupant restraint use, reduce the number of speed-related crashes, and reduce distracted driving motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The grant will pay the salaries of 4 deputies, 3 sergeants, and 2 lieutenants, 1 clerk and purchase needed equipment in this overtime program.
Expected Impact:
In 2023, there were 116,521 crashes total in Harris County - the most ever recorded - according to the Texas Department of Transportation: 501 were fatal crashes. 533 people lost their lives, and 2,763 more were seriously injured. This award aims to reduce the number of crashes, fatalities, and loss of life in Harris County
Alternative Options:
If we do not pursue this grant award, the Constable’s Office will forfeit the opportunity to receive funding that will increase traffic safety and protect the citizens on Harris County roads.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: F: Ensure safety and security for all using the county’s transportation network in alignment with the County’s Vision Zero plan.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): Choose an item.
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): F1: Strengthen the County’s commitment to Vision Zero principles and goals.
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): Choose an item.
Health Initiative (Goal 4): Choose an item.
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): Choose an item.
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): Choose an item.
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Action Taken |
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Location:
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Choose an item.
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Service Name |
FY26 STEP Comprehensive Program |
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Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
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Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
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Funding Sources |
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Existing Budget |
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$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Existing Budget |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form) |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
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Total Funding Sources |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Grants - Proposed Budget (For Grants Items only) |
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Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
No. of Grant Years |
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Local Match Source - Existing Budget: Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
1 |
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Local Match Source - Additional Budget Request: 1000 - General Fund |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Grant Funds Applied for/Awarded (Total) |
$398,784.79 |
$156,040.09 |
$554,824.88 |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
- |
- |
- |
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Additional Positions Request |
- |
- |
- |
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Total Personnel |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Anticipated Court Date: 5/8/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 10/1/2025
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Vickie McBride, Grants Administrator
Attachments (if applicable): Grant Proposal