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State seeks $30 million SIF funding to finish Mandan women's facility; committee hears plan for overnight mother‑child visits
Summary
Department of Corrections presented cost, staffing and schedule for completing the Heart River Women's Residential Center and moving women from New England to Mandan; the department also described a proposal to allow limited overnight stays by infants with incarcerated mothers under a proposed policy and potential legislation.
The Department of Corrections told the Senate Appropriations Committee it seeks $30 million from SIF funds to complete the Heart River Women's Residential Center (HRCC) in Mandan and plans to move women currently housed in New England to the Mandan facility when construction is finished.
Michelle (Staff member, Department of Corrections) said the $30 million request is tied to previously budgeted SIF funding and that the department expects completion in the fall of 2027. The department outlined a staffing ramp for the 304‑bed facility, saying it will hire in phases and bring staff on before the facility opens to train them.
Mother‑child visitation: presenters described a plan to allow limited overnight stays by infants with incarcerated mothers under a policy the department is seeking authority to implement. Colby (Staff member, Department of Corrections) said the department’s policy concept would allow children to stay with their mothers up to 18 months in carefully defined circumstances; presenters noted existing statutory limits must be addressed.
Why it matters: committee members asked about the disposition of the New England facility after the Mandan move and whether any operational cost savings would follow closures and transfers. The department said the future mission for the New England site is under discussion and emphasized coordination with county partners if missions change.
Budget and timeline: the presentation listed $5.6 million of added scope to HRCC, a $1.4 million figure for an item discussed in committee, and the $30 million completion request already in the executive recommendation. The department said part of the funding request is also for equipment and demolition related to the project.
