Federal $2.1M award would bring modular training facility to Cottonwood Heights; council to consider siting and operations

Council members were briefed on a $2.1 million federal Department of Justice award intended to fund a modular public-safety training facility that would include simulators and live-fire capability in a contained system.

Council member Sean Fulton, who led the pursuit of the grant, said the award is a direct federal appropriation to the city and requires no matching funds. Fulton said the system is a modular, fully contained training environment with air and lead filtration and the capacity to run scenario-based de-escalation training in addition to live-fire qualification. He added that the city has identified potential donation partners to cover ancillary site work if necessary.

Regional use and operations

Council members and staff discussed siting options and whether the facility could be co-located on existing city property or located with a partner jurisdiction. Several members noted the regional value: neighboring agencies have already indicated interest in paying to use the facility, which could generate revenue to offset ongoing maintenance and lead-removal costs.

Safety and compliance

Staff described environmental controls in the modular design (lead capture in sealed containers and an air-filtration system) and discussed the need to define operating rules, pricing for outside agencies and maintenance responsibilities. The council asked staff to locate possible sites and return with a written proposal and operational plan.

Next steps

Staff will evaluate site options, operational costs, and potential partnership revenues and return to the council with a written proposal and location recommendations. Council members expressed support for accepting the federal award while asking staff to be transparent about O&M implications before a final siting decision.