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State Pursues New Environmental Review to Revive Laurel Forensic Mental Health Facility Plans
Officials say the facility would add 54 beds and 6,740 gallons of daily water demand as residents raise concerns about the project.
- The Montana Board of Investments scheduled a public hearing for September 8 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center for the proposed Laurel forensic mental health facility, following a preliminary injunction from Yellowstone County District Court Judge Ed Zink that halted construction.
- Judge Zink halted the 32-bed psychiatric facility project after ruling the state failed to adequately evaluate water availability, pressure, and daily demand before purchasing 114 acres of land in June.
- Attorney Liz Forster of Laurel CARED requested the hearing move to Laurel, arguing the state must complete a thorough review to avoid spending "taxpayer money to then have a building that has no water."
- The Montana Board of Investments released a revised environmental assessment offering three options: purchasing properties to free up water supply, challenging the city's annexation moratorium, or using eminent domain to seize water assets.
- Similar challenges in Oregon, California, Louisiana, and Alaska demonstrate how residents frequently confront state agencies for approving projects before sorting out basic impacts like water access, health, or infrastructure costs.
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Missoulian+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
New hearing planned for mental health facility near Laurel after construction halted
A revised assessment included multiple options for getting water and sewer from the city of Laurel, including potential legal challenges.
·Missoula, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution91% Center
Bias Distribution
- 91% of the sources are Center
91% Center
C 91%
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