Cascade County released an updated report this fall on projects being funded through its American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA federal COVID relief, dollars.

The county received a direct allocation of $15,804,392 of ARPA funds, which were designed to help address COVID’s impact and were based partially on population.

County Commissioners used a portion of those funds toward county projects, but allocated some to other area governmental agencies, nonprofits and water and sewer districts.

County updates progress of ARPA funded projects

“The commission felt strongly that this one-time funding should be spread throughout the county rather than retaining all of the funds for internal use as some jurisdictions chose. In addition, the U.S. Treasury allowed each jurisdiction to utilize up to $10 million of their funds within the category of ‘lost revenue replacement.’ This category has a lower threshold of federal reporting requirements and can be used for virtually any normal government purpose,” according to the county report.

The amount a jurisdiction received over $10 million is more restricted with increased reporting requirements, according to the county.

County approves $13.3 million in ARPA allocations [2022]

In July 2022, commissioners voted to allocate $13.3 million of ARPA funds to various agencies throughout the county.

The county received 66 applications for the funding and provided funding for 51 of those requests, commissioners said at the time.

County accepting applications for COVID relief funds [2022]

The funded requests included:

• eight for public health expenses, primarily recouping costs expended in response to the COVID pandemic;
• 21 for water and sewer projects, totaling $5.4 million;
• 16 for county projects, to include those at the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Expo Park;
• 16 for community partner projects totaling $4.2 million

Applicants whose applications were deemed complete were invited to present their requests to the commission.

The county had already committed to fund some water and sewer projects, which are included in this list, as well as funding for NeighborWorks Great Falls’ Baatz Building renovation.

Many of the projects that were funded have been completed, some are in progress and some have not yet started.

Cascade County files reports on ARPA spending quarterly with the U.S. Treasury and the county’s report through Sept. 30, 2024 is based on those reports, according to the county.

County holds need hearing for federal funds; approves COVID relief funds for water and sewer projects [2022]

Commissioner Joe Briggs told The Electric earlier this year that commissioners would review authorization of ARPA funds if organizations haven’t yet begun making progress.

The Great Falls Public Library opted to return their $20,000 for a front door replacement project because bids came in higher than anticipated and they wouldn’t meet the federal deadlines as they adjustment plans within their larger remodel.

Briggs told The Electric earlier this month that the library’s ARPA funds and any other funds that may be released back to the county due to an inability to meet the federal deadlines, the commission will reallocate those funds to existing ARPA projects already being reported to the U.S. Treasury.

There’s not enough time to go through the legally required process to allocate the funding to any new projects not on the current obligated list since funds have to be obligated by Dec. 31, under the federal rules.

The target date to get these funds expended is Dec. 31, 2025, Briggs said.

County approves funds for capital projects [2023]

Commissioners approved the following in 2022, with updates from the 2024 report that included data through June 30, 2024:

• Big River Ruckus: $30,000, Cascade County would be a sponsor for three years. According to the 2024 report, the funds were expended and the county was a primary sponsor for the first year. The Ruckus organizers said they were taking a hiatus in 2023 due to lack of funding and did not resume operations in 2024. Briggs told The Electric that the Ruckus didn’t meet their revenue projections so the entire $30,000 was needed to cover the costs of the first year so the county couldn’t recover any of those funds.
• Radios for county first responders through the Rural Fire Council: $37,500. Completed.
• Black Eagle Water and Sewer for sewer upgrades throughout the system: $98,480. In process.
• Black Eagle Water and Sewer for water main and compromised service line replacement: $1,383,870. In process.
• Great Falls Emergency Services for a self-loading cot system in an ambulance: $46,661. Complete.
• Gore Will Water to replace two wells, reline concrete storage tanks: $277,250. Complete.
• Opportunities, Inc. to replace an old boiler system with baseboard zone heating at the Regina Apartments to also bring the building up to code: $88,045. Not yet started.
• Simms Sewer District for contingency funding to state ARPA funds: $95,000. In progress.
• C.M. Russell Museum for a new building to house the designing studio and administration offices to those spaces can be remodeled to house a new collection: $500,000. Design phase underway.
• Alliance for Youth to replace the roof, contingency, shed, gutters and insulation: $158,498.42. Complete.
• McLaughlin Research Institute to replace all exterior doors and windows with energy efficient items: $150,000.  Complete.
• Great Falls College MSU for the new CDL training program to cover cost of simulator and other startup costs: $388,875. The simulator has been installed and classes are in progress. The college spent $249,140.47 of its ARPA allocation.
• Ingenium for education programs in science, technology, engineering, art and math through game design, computer science and entrepreneurship for $30,000. Complete.
• Windy Acres Water Users to replace a well damaged by an earthquake: $350,000. Not yet started.
• Vaughn Water and Sewer District to replace deteriorated sewer lines and other improvements: $254,647.50. In progress.
• Sun Prairie Water for new wells, upgrade the pump house, water lines, gate valves and install water meters: $407,000. In process.
• Two Buttes Water District to replace water distribution pumps, restore water system storage tank, replace control valves and install strategic branch meters: $91,086. In process.
• Great Falls Legacy Foundation for replacement revenue for fundraisers canceled during COVID: $275,892. Complete.
• Stockett Water and Sewer to replace damaged curb stops: $14,616.50. In progress.
• Stockett Water and Sewer for storage tank overflow repair: $6,475. In progress.
• Stockett Water and Sewer for replacing the well pump: $21,002. In progress.
• Stockett Water and Sewer to replace the chlorinator building and add a security fence: $19,153.20. In progress.
• Stockett Water and Sewer to replace UV lights and sleeves for the sewage disinfectant system: $1,630.26. In progress.
• Stockett Water and Sewer to purchase and install custom filters for the septic system: $13,409.14. In progress.
• Cascade County Historical Society to add HVAC system and drywall to areas that don’t currently have temperature controls, add room for county archival materials: $121,200. Complete.
• Sand Coulee Water: convert area from individually owned septic tanks to centralized sewer system: $400,845. In progress.
• Upper and Lower River Road Water District: preliminary engineering study for phase six: $20,000. Not yet started.
• South Winds Water and Sewer for planning grant for next phase: $30,000. Not yet started.
• Wadsworth Library for heating and air conditioning and an awning: $6,000. In progress.
• Great Falls Public Library for new front doors: $20,000. Not yet started. GFPL has returned the funds to Cascade County.
• Belt Library for addition of community room: $160,000. In design.
• Centerville School for new well and water system: $320,176. Design underway.
• Tracy Water Association for preliminary engineering study for new water system: $50,000. Not yet started.
• Great Falls Development Authority to purchase property in the AgriTech Park: $1,000,000. Complete.
• Pleasant Valley Colony for new well: $75,000. Complete.
• Great Falls Senior Center for installation of elevator: $50,000. Elevator in use but some trim work remains to be completed.
• NeighborWorks Great Falls for the Baatz Building supportive housing project: $650,000. Complete.
• Sun River Ditch to repair avulsion between the Sun River and Adobe Creek to stop damage from ice jams and cutoff of irrigation system headgates: $209,884. Complete.
• Expo Park to replace the racetrack fence: $148,910. Complete.
• Expo Park for an air curtain in the Pacific Steel and Recycling Arena: $55,232. Complete.
• Expo Park to add a shower trailer: $57,000.
• Expo Park to repaint the jockey building: $8,000. Complete.
• Expo Park to add water system to Railroad Museum: $16,000: Complete.
• Adult Detention Center for unreimbursed costs for COVID PPE in 2021: $27,361. Complete.
• Adult Detention Center for COVID response costs: $90,000. Complete.
• Adult Detention Center for COVID overtime costs: $225,000. Complete.
• Cascade County Health Department for COVID response costs: $260,300. Complete.
• Juvenile Detention Center for COVID overtime costs in early 2021: $6,643. Complete.
• Juvenile Detention Center for COVID overtime costs for mid 2021: $3,877. Complete.
• Juvenile Detention Center for COVID response costs: $16,500: Complete.
• Juvenile Detention Center for COVID overtime costs for fiscal year that ended June 30: $60,000. Complete.
• Cascade County Sheriff’s Office for body cameras: $140,000. Complete.
• Disaster and Emergency Services for radio replacement: $76,000. Complete.
• Expo Park to repair damage caused by woodpeckers and add metal siding: $76,434. Complete.
• County IT to upgrade server system to have more remote access: $171,000. Complete.
• County IT for staff training for new server system and remote access: $30,000. Partially complete but not yet reimbursed.
• County IT for countywide phone upgrade to VOIP phones: 109,382. In progress.
• County IT for backup generator for county annex: $287,688.63. In progress.
• Town of Belt for water system upgrades: $500,000. Not yet started.
• Adult Detention Center to continue lock update/replacement: $150,000. Complete.
• Adult Detention Center to remove old fuel tank and water separator unit: $60,000. Complete.
• Adult Detention Center for emergency lighting and nightlights: $14,900. Complete.
• Adult Detention Center for second floor of pods steel barrier to prevent falls: $300,000. Funding reallocated toward booking area remodel. Design underway.
• Adult Detention Center for camera upgrades in jail: $79,442. Not yet started.
• Cascade County Sheriff’s Office for new building for evidence storage: $1,500,000. Construction underway.

The following projects were approved for ARPA funds in November 2022, with their 2024 updates:

• Homestead Acres Water and Sewer for replacement of two wells: $86,133.18. Complete.
• Grassland Colony for well replacement, pump and wiring: $50 percent. Complete.
• Town of Cascade for drilling new wells for community water supply for $300,000. Complete.

The City of Great Falls is similarly spending its ARPA allocation on a variety of projects.

The city received $19.47 million in ARPA funds, which are COVID relief funds. Those funds carry more detailed rules on eligible uses and deadlines for expenditure.

City approves $2.88 million in community ARPA grants

The Electric requested an update on those expenditures in a format similar to what Cascade County is publicly releasing quarterly.

City still working on plans for use of $19.47 million in ARPA funds; process for community grants

In 2022, City Commissioners approved $2.88 million in ARPA funds for community projects:

• Alliance for Youth: $287,278 for improving mental health and reducing violence by strengthening parent-child relationships, funds will be used to enact evidence-based practices at the Alliance for Youth headquarters including parent mediation, nurturing parenting, circle of parents, youth mental health first aid, and question, persuade and refer. This program is designed to directly address abuse in our community and is anticipated to benefit hundreds of residents. As of Nov. 22, $66,499.40 had been expended.
• Cascade County Historical Society:  $56,595 for technology upgrades to Ozark Club at The History Museum, funds will be used to install hardware increasing the remote gathering capacity of the museum. This will mitigate current and future health concerns and allow for remote participation in museum special events. $42,595 has been expended.
• Discovery Family Counseling Services: $49,000 for expansion of services, funds will be used to expand the mental health therapy services available for children as young as three years old. Specifically, Discovery will implement programs designed to treat behavioral health concerns in youth through “play therapy.” Additionally, Discovery will remodel a portion of its building to be used for this specific purpose. $47,480.15 has been expended.
• Great Falls Voyagers: $600,000 for Centene Stadium field repair, funds will be used to make repairs to the playing surface. This will ensure the ongoing viability of a facility that is used by professional, amateur, and local school teams. Also, maintains a valuable tourism draw and local business partner in the Great Falls community. $589,466.64 has been expended.
• Great Falls College Montana State University: $197,350 for job training and education for at-risk youth, funds will be used to initiate a new program that will provide job training to at-risk youth ages 16 and older and those re-entering the workforce. The training framework will focus on education, construction training, work ethic/job readiness training, leadership/community service, and case management/career development. As of Nov. 22, $106,482.67 has been expended.
• Great Falls Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic: $70,894 for early intervention speech/language/feeding outreach support, this program will reduce barriers preventing children from accessing therapy by providing speech/language/feeding therapy on site in daycare centers, homes, or other youth focused locations. This will alleviate barriers arising from transportation limitations or work schedule conflicts.  $45,738.61 has been expended.
• Great Falls Tourism Business Improvement District: $215,000 for development of a tourism master plan, this plan will utilize assessments conducted by professional consultants to evaluate Great Falls’ current and potential status as a tourism destination. The plan will serve as the foundation for short and long term strategies for marketing and increasing the appeal of Great Falls to visitors. This project was not awarded full requested amount. $106,024.82 has been expended.
• Helping Hands: $49,900 for operation of a food pantry downtown, providing food, hygienic items, and clothing to individuals facing financial hardship. These funds will bolster the in-place budget. Completed.
• Ideal Option: $228,980 for increasing access to medication assisted treatment. Ideal Options offers substance use disorder treatment in Great Falls and was looking to increase access in the city by opening a second location. These funds will be used to offset the expenses incurred in the first six months of this new location. $183,487.35 has been expended as of Nov. 22.
• NeighborWorks Great Falls: $496,810 for increased owner-built home, or mutual self-help program, operations, this award will allow for increased and future-looking operations associated with the program. These new activities include development of a master plan, compilation/submission of required filings, and engineering documents. These funds will contribute to the eventual construction of 100 new homes. The proposed development is located at the 33rd Avenue South and 13th Street South.  $221,352.55 has been expended.
• Opportunities Inc.: $97,750 for mitigation improvements to facility, social distancing considerations rendered the small Opportunities Inc. headquarters waiting room inoperable during the pandemic. Individuals seeking assistance were asked to leave and return later. Financial and transportation limitations made multiple trips to the office unfeasible for many seeking services. These funds will be used to expand the area and create a safer and healthier environment for people waiting for appointments. None of these funds have yet been used, according to city documents.
• Peace Place: $375,000 for building renovation, Peace Place is looking to renovate its new location to create an ideal environment to provide childcare, caregiver support, and respite services. This award will fund the renovation of an existing (and currently empty) downtown location to include classrooms, rest rooms, offices, a kitchen, and other faculties as needed. Completed.
• United Way: $85,000 for early education assistance, funds will be used to coordinate the availability of early childhood education, bridging gaps for children through kindergarten enrollment, and increasing access for underserved populations in conjunction with Great Falls Public Schools. As of Nov. 22, $50,243.23 had been expended.
• YWCA: $75,000 for rental assistance, the YWCA will use the funds to provide low to moderate income women the financial resources to place first/last month deposits when entering into a new rental agreement. This will assist women in establishing secure homes for their families and simultaneously address homelessness in the city. $17,945.83 has been expended.
• Great Falls Airport airline incentive fund: $150,000. Completed.

City Commissioners approve security contract for new GFPD evidence expansion

The city allocated the majority of its ARPA funds toward city infrastructure projects, some of which are currently underway.

• Civic Center HVAC/boilers/system improvements: $2,819,938.22, of which $1,753,265.60 has been expended. The project is active.
• Municipal Court relocation: $2,693,022.17 total and project is currently underway.
• Great Falls Police Department evidence building expansion: $4,040,348 total and project is currently underway.
• Fire Station improvements: $3,250,000 and project is nearing completion. 
• Fire equipment purchases in fiscal year 2023: $88,410. Project is complete.
• Great Falls Public Library internet expansion: $15,000. Complete.
• Parking garage security camera installation: $52,875.73. Complete.
• Great Falls Animal Shelter cattery upgrades: $35,600. Complete.
• Parks and Recreation bathroom ADA upgrades: $75,000. Completed with $65,313.
• Citywide network security services: $140,270. Complete.
• Human Resources office remodel in Civic Center: $839,821.68. Completed with $803,753.51.
• Fire station doors: 427,038. Completed with $397,894.24.
• Fire engine refurbishment: $1,299,337. Complete.