April 22 archive

Archived — public comment closed June 2, 2026 at 5 PM

June 2 Public Hearing

The state has released a final environmental assessment for the proposed psychiatric prison near Laurel. It now analyzes a 64-bed buildout, relies on new water and sewer claims, and asks the public to comment before the record closes.

Hearing Details

When

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

1 PM to 3 PM

Comments accepted until 5 PM

Where

Billings Hotel and Convention Center

1223 Mullowney Lane

Billings, Montana

Submit

FMHF_Comment@mt.gov

Written comments go into the public record.

What Changed Since April 22

The April packet was preliminary. The June packet is labeled final, but the agency determination is still pending until after this hearing and the review of additional public input.

  • 64 beds: Phase 2 is now inside the environmental review.
  • Groundwater: A correction says levels may be within 10 feet of the surface.
  • Services: The state says Laurel fire, police, and EMS impacts are not meaningful.
  • Infrastructure: The state relies on the Love's water and sewer agreement.
  • Growth: The state says the site does not block westward development.

Choose a Comment Issue

Send a Comment

Issue in your comment

Phase 2 is now in the review

The June 2 packet analyzes the full 64-bed long-range campus, even though only Phase 1 is funded. I object to treating Phase 2 as environmentally cleared before the Legislature funds it and before the community receives a complete site-specific review of the full expansion.

Preview

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Montana Board of Investments
State of Montana

RE: June 2 public comment on the Final Environmental Assessment for the proposed Forensic Mental Health Facility near Laurel

Dear DPHHS and BOI officials,

I am submitting this comment on the Final Environmental Assessment for the proposed Forensic Mental Health Facility west of Laurel.

My concern: Phase 2 is now in the review

The June 2 packet analyzes the full 64-bed long-range campus, even though only Phase 1 is funded. I object to treating Phase 2 as environmentally cleared before the Legislature funds it and before the community receives a complete site-specific review of the full expansion.

My personal context:
[Add who you are, where you live, and how this affects your family, property, work, school, or public services.]

I ask DPHHS and BOI to fully address this issue before any land purchase, construction commitment, or final agency determination. The public record should include the data, assumptions, agreements, and alternatives needed for residents and local governments to evaluate the actual impacts of this project.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Phone or Email]

Archive

April 22 hearing page

Compare the original preliminary hearing record with the June packet.

Context

What they are building

Review the facility, location, and process background.

Community record

Take the prison poll

Add your response to the community record by ward and region.