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Committee restores start-up funds for new South Central regional mental health hospital
Summary
The committee restored $30.9 million (including SGF) to cover first-year operating costs for the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital, whose construction is due to finish in October 2026 and which will transfer to state ownership in November 2026.
Chairman Beler briefed the committee on the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital, a new 104-bed facility (52 adult mental-health beds and 52 forensic treatment beds). Construction is expected to be complete in October 2026, and the state will assume ownership in November 2026.
The agency requested $45.9 million for FY2027, including operating funding and staffing for an initial ramp-up. The special committee removed approximately $30.9 million of first-year operating funds; the Social Services Budget Committee restored those funds, arguing the hospital cannot open and begin care without the money needed to staff and operate the facility during the transition.
Committee members asked questions about construction cost trends and whether costs had increased; the chair said he would verify specific construction-cost data. The committee approved the social services committee recommendation to fund start-up operations and directed staff to monitor construction progress and the staffing ramp.
