The Gianforte administration has been seeking a location for a new mental health facility in eastern Montana, drawing interest from only Hardin and Miles City. The deadline for cities to express interest was Nov. 10. A draft timeline from the Board of Investments (BOI), which leads the effort, indicates site tours are scheduled for next week, with a proposal expected to reach Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office by Thanksgiving. However, it’s uncertain if either proposed location is suitable for the 32-bed facility aimed at rehabilitating mentally ill patients involved with the criminal justice system.
Initially, the BOI explored Billings, Montana’s largest city, but faced backlash for seemingly deciding on the location without local consensus. This led to a September redirection, inviting cities to submit site proposals. Billings, notably absent from the proposals, received a Nov. 5 letter from outgoing Mayor Bill Cole to the BOI. The letter stated support for enhanced services for residents but emphasized the project is the state’s responsibility, not the city’s.
“[A]lthough we recognize the need for a forensic facility in eastern Montana as a general matter, Billings is not prepared at this time to submit a formal ‘proposal’ asking that such a facility be located here. This is a state project, not a city project,” the letter stated.
Laurel, a town 18 miles west of Billings, also chose not to submit a proposal. During an October City Council meeting, officials explained they lacked suitable land. Kurt Markegard, Laurel’s planning director, noted, “From my understanding, they wanted an invitation from the community… we had no land that would have been able to meet it.” He emphasized that the city’s annexation policy allows property owners near city limits to connect to services if they wish.
Markegard referenced efforts among eastern Montana cities, including Billings and Laurel, to respond collectively to the state’s timeline. Bill Cole’s message to this effect was read during the council meeting. Cole did not comment further, nor did Markegard when probed by MTFP. “We haven’t been asked to participate. I think that’s the issue,” remarked Markegard, highlighting the need for dialogue.
The Gianforte administration has not confirmed if site considerations will be limited to places that submitted formal proposals, leaving the future of the mental health facility’s location uncertain.
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