Judge stops Montana psychiatric facility from breaking ground, orders new environmental study
Summary
A Montana judge has halted construction of a new 32-bed psychiatric facility in Laurel until the state completes a new environmental study and allows public input. The lawsuit raised concerns about whether the town has enough water to support the facility, delaying plans to start building next week.Key Facts
- A judge issued a temporary stop to building a forensic mental health facility in Laurel, Montana.
- The facility is meant to treat people involved in the criminal justice system.
- The lawsuit was filed by a local group called Laurel CARED, focused on responsible economic development.
- The court requires the state to redo its environmental study and gather public feedback.
- Central concerns include whether Laurel has enough water to supply the facility.
- The state had cited an earlier water study done for a nearby truck stop to claim water is sufficient.
- Residents report water pressure problems in the area since the truck stop opened.
- The state mentioned the possible use of eminent domain to access city water services.
- Local rules say properties must be annexed by the city to receive water or sewer services.
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