Yellowstone County Commissioner Mark Morse is feeling relieved that state leaders are taking a step back to listen to local voices. Speaking with MTN News Wednesday afternoon, Morse said he’s “extremely grateful that the governor listened to the community and that they were unhappy and he hit the pause button.”
His comments came after the State Board of Investments announced it would pause work on bringing a new mental health facility to several previously considered sites in Yellowstone County. The Montana Legislature had earlier approved $26.2 million for a new facility in eastern Montana, and in July, lawmakers and community leaders toured five possible sites in the Billings area.
Local Pushback and Unanswered Questions
Community concerns began mounting when leaders realized critical details were missing about the proposed mental health facility. Local officials wanted to know:
- What type of facility will this be?
- What services will it provide?
- How will it operate?
- What staffing model will be used?
Officials from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), the State Board of Investments (BOI), and even Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office were unable to provide clear answers. As of Wednesday evening, no timeline has been given for when the project may resume.
A Shift in Direction from the Governor
Earlier in the day, Rep. Mike Yakawich (R-Billings) confirmed that Gov. Gianforte had asked the Board of Investments to step down as the lead agency, signaling “a different direction” for planning the mental health facility.
A spokesperson for the governor said that while the BOI was asked for more information, it has not been removed entirely from the project. The governor’s office emphasized that Gianforte remains committed to expanding behavioral health services, highlighting a $300 million generational investment already dedicated to Montana’s behavioral health and developmental disability service systems.
This year, House Bill 5 was passed and signed into law, including plans for a new behavioral health facility in eastern Montana. The goal: provide specialized care to Montanans with unique mental health needs.
BOI Statement on the Pause
Dan Villa, executive director of the Montana Board of Investments, explained that the pause was necessary due to conflicting interpretations of the Board’s authority under House Bill 5. Villa stated:
“The Executive and Legislative branches currently hold differing interpretations of the Board’s authority. To avoid acting without clear direction, I recommend the Board suspend any further consideration until we receive written guidance on services, location, and confirmation that the facility is to be built as an investment security held in trust for the State.”
Villa also thanked local leaders in Billings and Laurel for their input, stressing that community feedback has been essential in shaping the process.
He added that if the project resumes, none of the previously reviewed sites—including the Skyway Drive location—will be viable due to local zoning, infrastructure costs, and community safety concerns related to hosting a new mental health facility.
Why Mental Health Facilities Are Needed in Montana
Montana faces some of the highest suicide rates in the country, and many rural communities lack access to adequate treatment. Expanding mental health facility services through new projects is seen as critical to:
- Reducing the burden on overcrowded emergency rooms and jails
- Providing specialized treatment for severe mental illness and developmental disabilities
- Supporting community safety by ensuring people get care instead of entering the justice system
- Strengthening prevention, early intervention, and crisis response
While disagreements over location and management remain, both state and local leaders agree on one point: Montana urgently needs expanded mental health facility infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) –
1. Why is Montana building a new mental health facility?
The facility is part of House Bill 5 and a broader statewide plan to expand behavioral health services. It will provide specialized treatment for individuals with severe mental health needs, reducing strain on hospitals and correctional facilities.
2. Where will the new mental health facility be located?
The exact location is currently undecided. Five sites in Yellowstone County were reviewed, but none are moving forward due to zoning and community concerns. The state is expected to revisit siting once details are clarified.
3. How much funding has been allocated for the project?
The Montana Legislature approved $26.2 million specifically for this facility, part of a larger $300 million behavioral health investment package.
4. Who will operate the new mental health facility?
That has not yet been determined. Local leaders are pushing for clarity on the staffing model, operational structure, and partnerships with community providers.
5. What impact will this new mental health facility have on Montanans?
The new facility aims to provide care closer to home, improve crisis response, and reduce the burden on emergency rooms, law enforcement, and jails while expanding access to long-term treatment.
