Entry Area

Program Description

The Great Falls Police Department is proposing to use ARPA funds to remodel the entry area of the Police Department.  This public facing portion of the building is in need of functionality and security purpose upgrades.  The Station lobby is one of the primary interaction settings between the public and the Great Falls Police Department.  While this area currently serves it's purpose it is in need of updates to meet the traffic demands as Police Operations expand in line with Crime Task Force priorities and population growth in Great Falls.

Why this matters

The proposed plans are aimed at increasing accessibility, interactivity, and security for the general public and for Police Staff.  New installations will potentially increase ADA accessibility in the lobby area.  Plans to reposition the entry area to another location inside the building are being evaluated.  This relocation would create a more comfortable entry and waiting area.  Finally, these plans will augment current security installations to create a more secure area for the members of the General Public and Police Staff.

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.