GREAT FALLS — The City Of Great Falls has amended its annual action plan - - to include a portion of funds specifically reserved for coronavirus related purposes. Included within the amended plan is a 5-day public comment period that allows the community to express how they would like those coronavirus relief funds to be allocated within the city.
Respondents can request that money be directed towards a specific purpose like unemployment relief or childcare.
According to City Commissioner Mary Sheehy Moe, the City of Great Falls expects to receive $475,000 to address coronavirus relief needs within the community, specifically those of low to moderate income.
“Traditionally the...funding has gone to prioritize the need of low to moderate income individuals as well as economic development. And that continues to be the case with this funding that is provided directly in response to the coronavirus,” Moe said.
Moe explained why public comment is critical to the proper allocation of the coronavirus relief funds.
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease. and if there's a particular area or particular business interest that you feel these funds really should go to - we distribute those funds based on what we hear from the public.So it’s very important that you get your feedback in ,” Moe said.
The city commission will need to approve public comment by its next meeting on July 7th.
The city commissioners predict they will have the funds available to use by late summer or early fall.
You can submit your written comment by mail between now and Tuesday, June 23rd.
Make your submission out to Tonya Shumaker, City of Great Falls Planning & Community Development Department P.O. Box 5021, Great Falls, MT 59403-5021.
You can also contact the City of Great Falls Planning & Community Development Department Director, Craig Raymond, with any questions at (406) 455-8530.
