Judge halts construction of Montana forensic mental health facility

A Yellowstone County District Court judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the construction of a proposed 32-bed forensic mental health facility near Laurel, Montana. The ruling, granted by Judge Ed Zink, comes following a lawsuit filed by Laurel CARED (Community Advocates for Responsible Economic Development).

The group raised concerns regarding whether the state had sufficiently evaluated the local water capacity to support the facility. As a result of the injunction, the state is now required to conduct a new environmental assessment and provide an opportunity for public comment.

While the administration of Governor Greg Gianforte and mental health advocates have supported the project to address the backlog of individuals in the criminal justice system awaiting mental health evaluations, opponents argue that proper environmental and resource reviews are necessary before proceeding.