The Montana Department of Corrections is considering three locations—Hardin, Butte, and the greater Boulder area—for a new women’s prison site. Boulder and Butte are being considered due to existing department-owned properties, while Hardin’s involvement follows direct community outreach. No definitive choice has been made, and a timeline for the decision is currently unavailable, stated spokesperson Carolynn Stocker.
The recent legislative session approved a bill allocating $250 million for a new women’s facility, part of a broader $436 million expansion of state prisons. As debated in April, sponsor Rep. John Fitzpatrick highlighted the need to address the capacity shortfall for female prisoners. Governor Greg Gianforte noted in April that female correctional facilities exceed capacity by 14 percent.
Currently, about 84% of nearly 300 incarcerated women in Montana are housed at the Montana Women’s Prison in Billings, as per department data. The rest serve their sentences at Riverside Facility in Boulder. Local leaders in Boulder and Hardin voiced support for the prison, citing economic advantages. Boulder Mayor Rusty Giulio remarked that the city benefits from providing more utilities, while Jefferson County Commissioner Corey Kirsch expressed optimism about economic growth. Hardin City Commissioner Clayton Greer also noted potential economic benefits, referencing the town’s history with a 464-bed jail built for $27 million, which remains unused due to setbacks.
Residents of Butte-Silver Bow have raised concerns regarding the proposed site, prompting the Council of Commissioners to unanimously request more details from the department, according to Montana Public Radio. Meanwhile, the 2025 Legislature also approved funds for addressing overcrowded men’s prisons, including major renovations at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge.
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