Opponents of the state’s forensic mental health facility in Laurel received encouraging news Wednesday. Yellowstone County District Court Judge Ed Zink granted a preliminary injunction to halt construction of the 32-bed psychiatric facility, aimed at treating those in the criminal justice system, as a lawsuit by Laurel CARED, Community Advocates for Responsible Economic Development, continues. The planned site, just west of Laurel, faces delays pending further legal proceedings.
Construction was set to begin next week, according to Laurel CARED member Shawna Hopper. However, the state must perform another environmental assessment, allowing for public commentary. Concerns about whether Laurel’s water supply can support the facility remain a key issue. Laurel CARED’s attorney, Liz Forster, stated there are “serious questions as to whether Laurel can host this facility.”
Forster emphasized that a comprehensive environmental review would clarify water capacity issues and avoid the misuse of taxpayer funds on a potentially waterless facility. Laurel CARED President Jennifer Lorenz expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating, “When government undertakes a project of this magnitude, those requirements matter. Environmental review and public participation are not simply boxes to check — they exist for a reason.”
Mental health advocates and Gov. Greg Gianforte’s administration support the facility to address jail overcrowding and delayed mental health evaluations. While locals do not oppose the facility’s purpose, they criticize the site selection process as unfair. Laurel city ordinances require properties seeking city water or sewer to apply for annexation first, a step the state has not taken.
Forster mentioned the state suggested using eminent domain to obtain city services, an option first raised in a recent hearing. The state previously cited an engineering study for a nearby Love’s Truck Stop, claiming sufficient water supply. However, Forster noted that locals, including Laurel CARED members, question water availability due to ongoing water pressure issues since the truck stop began operations.
Attempts to reach the Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday evening were unsuccessful. Both the DPHHS and the Board of Investments are named defendants in the lawsuit.
Mara Silvers contributed reporting.
—
Read More Montana News
