Clay County seeks $24.75 million for 40‑bed nonsecure juvenile facility to expand regional placements

Clay County officials and West Central Regional Juvenile Center leaders told the Capital Investment Committee on March 25 they seek $24,750,000 to design, construct and equip a 40‑bed nonsecure juvenile facility in Moorhead under House File 1266.

Commissioner Jenny Mongeau (Clay County) described long wait lists for nonsecure placements and said counties currently spend significant sums to find appropriate placements for youth with complex mental-health and behavioral needs, sometimes out of state. James Vellum, superintendent of the West Central Regional Juvenile Center, said the center operates a 55‑bed secure facility and a 25‑bed nonsecure facility currently at capacity; the proposed project would expand nonsecure beds to 40 and provide trauma‑informed services and Qualified Residential Treatment Program supports including therapy, education, recreation and medical services.

Supporters said the facility would serve youth from across Minnesota, noting a coalition of 28 counties and all 11 tribal nations had passed resolutions supporting the project. Committee members asked clarifying questions about whether the proposal was for secure or nonsecure beds (witnesses confirmed the expansion is for the nonsecure component) and about phasing; witnesses said they were exploring phased options. No committee action was taken; the bill was heard on an informational basis.