Columbia Falls wants to hear from public

The city of Columbia Falls is conducting a survey to glean input about community needs.

Residents have until 4 p.m. Friday to complete the survey, found online at www.cityofcolumbiafalls.org. Copies of the survey also may be picked up at City Hall, 130 Sixth St. W. in Columbia Falls.

“The intent of this needs assessment is to provide the City Council with a list of potential projects or actions that could be pursued over a period of years to improve the community,” City Manager Susan Nicosia said.

Based on the survey results, the city may be eligible for Community Development Block Grant funding for infrastructure, new housing construction, rehabilitation of housing, temporary housing facilities (homeless shelters or domestic violence shelters) or neighborhood improvements such as sidewalks, lighting or playgrounds.

Nicosia said the city had gotten 122 responses as of Monday morning. The survey is several pages long — 42 questions — and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Columbia Falls also is conducting a survey to determine interest in a dog park, Nicosia said. That survey, available online or at City Hall, is only five questions, and the response period runs through Friday, too.