Montrose, CO — With the goal of helping local business owners better protect their properties from break-ins and thefts and deter crime from occurring both inside and outside of their businesses, the Montrose Police Department has created the Theft Reduction and Prevention (TRAP) grant to fund security upgrades to eligible businesses.
The Montrose Police Department recognizes that business owners want to protect their businesses from crime and the resulting bottom-line costs that are often passed on to consumers. Crime also takes an emotional toll on business owners, employees, and customers and creates frustration toward the criminal justice system.
The TRAP grant program is designed to award 2A Public Safety Sales Tax funds as an incentive for businesses in the City of Montrose to make safety and security improvements based on specific criteria and available funding. These safety and security improvements will support businesses in deterring crime from occurring on their property and will increase the likelihood of suspect detection should an incident occur.
Applications are due by August 31, 2023. To complete a TRAP grant application, click the link provided.
Requirements to participate in the program include:
• Priority will be given to businesses that can show a history of victimization due to crime-related events that equate to monetary loss, which were reported to the Montrose Police Department.
• Applicants will partner with the Montrose Police Department and undergo a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) survey that contains written recommendations for safety and security improvements.
• The application must be made by the property owner unless permission is granted, in writing, to the tenant by the owner. Grant-funded improvements are meant to be permanent and lasting in nature.
• The maximum grant award without a required match is $2,500 per project, per calendar year.
• An additional add-on matching grant is available. The add-on grant requires a $1:$1 match by the applicant up to $2,500. For example, a business could apply for a total of $5,000 from the city if the business matched with $2,500 for a total project cost of $7,500.
• Work must start within three months of the date of grant approval and must be completed within 12 months of grant approval. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the city manager.
• Applicants seeking to make exterior improvements on buildings that are designated on the City of Montrose Historic Register may need to get additional approval from the Montrose Historic Preservation Commission before the commencement of work.
• All applicants must seek approval from the TRAP Grant Committee before starting improvements. The TRAP Grant Committee has the discretion to approve or deny applications for funding.
• Applicants who are under contract but have not started improvements may be eligible for reimbursement.
• Grant payments will be made directly to contractors upon completion of work once applicable invoices are submitted. The contractor will be required to submit a W9 form to receive payment.
• For matching payments to be issued, documentation of proof of payment for the required match will be required, including receipts, invoices, copies of cleared checks, and assurance in writing from the property owner that the work has been satisfactorily completed. This program is designed for buildings that are already constructed and do not apply to new builds.
Grant-eligible actions include:
• Safety and security landscaping improvements or modifications
• Wayfinding signage
• Improved access control
• Locks, gates, fencing
• High-quality security cameras with 30-day video storage capability
• Security alarm hardware and installation to include glass break and motion detectors
• Noncommercial art
• Entryway and exit renovation, wayfinding, and signage enhancements
• Repair or replacement of windows and doors
• Elimination of blighted conditions like dark alleys, broken fixtures, or inaccessible entryways
• Other safety or security improvements suggested by the CPTED survey
Actions not covered by the grant:
• Anything not proposed by the CPTED survey
• Any proposed element deemed inconsistent with city codes and/or zoning
• Commercial signs
Application requirements and completion:
• Submit a fully completed grant application. LINK
• PD staff will contact you to schedule a CPTED survey
• Finalize your safety and security plan by working with certified CPTED officers, architects, engineers, and builders
• Proof of at least two cost estimates is required for the application
• Submit an online TRAP Grant application, which will be reviewed by the TRAP Grant Committee. If approved, begin work on the project within three months. Keep a detailed and accurate accounting of actual costs.
• Within 12 months of approval, complete the project and submit a final report with photos, invoices, and receipts
• If all grant requirements have been met, funds are distributed to the contractor(s)
For more information about the Montrose Police Department.