Training Center Tower
Program Description
The Fire Department Training Tower was built in 1971 and has been a key element in training new and veteran fire fighters. Currently, the training tower is classified as condemned and requires structural repairs to be considered usable again.
Why this matters
Fire Fighters have mandated training and conditioning standards. This tower is an extremely valuable tool in maintaining these exercise requirements.
How is this eligible?
The United States Department of the Treasury allows local governments that lost revenue (i.e. lost taxes, utility payments, etc.) during the COVID-19 pandemic to use ARPA funds, up to the amount of revenue lost, for government services. This category is extremely discretionary and allows for funds to be used for any service traditionally provided by a government. Treasury’s Final Rule allowed local governments to claim a standard allowance of $10 million in lost revenue. The City of Great Falls (which did not experience financial losses during the pandemic) took this standard allowance and may spend up to $10 million of its total allocation to pay for its traditional government services.
Status Updates
Given the effect inflation has had on construction prices and the other ARPA projects, the City has opted to not complete the Training Center Tower project with ARPA funds. The Fire Department is looking into options to fund this through other initiatives.
