US News
Montana judge halts construction of state psychiatric facility near Laurel
A district court judge ordered a new environmental study and public comment period following a lawsuit by a local community group over water capacity.
The short version
- Yellowstone County District Court Judge Ed Zink granted a preliminary injunction stopping construction on a proposed 32-bed forensic mental health facility west of Laurel.
- The lawsuit, brought by community group Laurel CARED, questioned whether the local water system could support the project.
- The state must perform a new environmental assessment and open it to public review before proceeding.
Key facts
- Yellowstone County District Court Judge Ed Zink issued a preliminary injunction halting the construction of a 32-bed state forensic mental health facility near Laurel, Montana.[Associated Press]
- The lawsuit challenging the project was filed by Laurel CARED, an advocacy group raising concerns about water capacity and local infrastructure.[Associated Press]
- The court's ruling requires the state to conduct a new environmental study and provide an opportunity for public comment.[Associated Press]
- Gov. Greg Gianforte's administration and mental health advocates promoted the facility to help reduce backlogs of individuals in local jails waiting for mental health evaluations.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain how the state will resolve municipal water access issues, including whether it might pursue eminent domain or annexation under city ordinances.[Associated Press]