Judge stops Montana psychiatric facility from breaking ground, orders new environmental study
The judge said the state’s water analysis did not show Laurel could support the project and ordered another environmental review.
- On Wednesday, Yellowstone County District Court Judge Ed Zink granted a preliminary injunction, halting all on-site construction on 114 acres of land in Laurel.
- Gov. Greg Gianforte's administration pushed for the 32- to 64-bed facility to ease jail backlogs, but Laurel CARED members sued, arguing the state failed to properly assess water capacity.
- Attorney Liz Forster stated the state's environmental assessment relied on an insufficient study from a nearby Truck Stop, while residents report ongoing water pressure issues in the area.
- The ruling mandates the state conduct a new environmental assessment and open it to public comment; Laurel CARED President Jennifer Lorenz said the group is pleased to see the state held to regulatory standards.
- While the state may continue off-site planning, officials have raised the possibility of using eminent domain to secure water services, as the Department of Health and Human Services and Board of Investments remain defendants.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Montana Free Press
milescitystar.comJudge stops new Laurel psychiatric facility from breaking ground, orders new environmental study
The preliminary injunction stops construction of the 32-bed psychiatric facility intended to treat and rehabilitate people in the criminal justice system while the lawsuit progresses. The proposed site is located just west of the city of Laurel. The post Judge stops new Laurel psychiatric facility from breaking ground, orders new environmental study appeared first on Montana Free Press.
Judge halts construction on proposed state forensic mental health facility in Laurel
A Yellowstone County judge has granted an injunction stopping all construction on a proposed forensic mental health facility in Laurel.Judge Ed Zink granted the injunction Wednesday, halting all on-site construction on 114 acres of land the state purchased in June. The state may continue with off-site design and planning.The court granted the injunction after finding the state's water analysis did not adequately show the city of Laurel had the c…
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