HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A federal grant application that could give the City of Houston nearly $150 million for public safety, if awarded, has been pulled from the city council agenda for the second week in a row.
Multiple elected officials did not want to go on record about why, except council member Amy Peck.
Peck said the city is working to get more clarity from the federal government about the parameters that come with the money.
The Department of Justice’s “Model Cities Initiative” is meant to emphasize common-sense policing, proactive policing, and increased police activity in high-crime areas, according to the agency.
Peck said it’s no secret the city could benefit from the funds.
“The city desperately needs this money; it’s over $148 million for various items related to public safety, such as reducing violent crime, reducing teen violence, and domestic violence,” Peck said.
The DOJ said cities that receive this money would have to align with its priorities.
They listed priorities such as directly supporting law enforcement operations, including immigration law enforcement operations, combating violent crime, supporting services to American citizens, and more. None of the priorities, though, give specifics.
That’s why Peck said the item was pulled again from the agenda, to get more answers from the federal government.
“It’s just helpful to know what the parameters are when we apply for a grant, what the expectations are from the City of Houston, HPD. We need more officers; they work so hard as it is, so we need to see if that’s going to increase any of the work that they’re already doing before accepting a grant like this,” Peck said.
The mayor’s office provided this statement to ABC13:
“At this time, we are in the process of requesting clarification about the conditions and guidelines of the Model City Initiative.”
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