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Cass County backs letters seeking $28.38M in state bonding for Clay County psychiatric and juvenile facility
Summary
The Cass County Board unanimously approved letters supporting Clay County’s request for $28.38 million in state bonding to complete an 18‑bed psychiatric residential treatment and non-secure juvenile facility, noting the project has regional backing and is "on track for a 2027 construction start."
The Cass County Board of Commissioners on April 21 unanimously approved letters to local legislators supporting continued state investment in psychiatric residential treatment and non-secure juvenile facility capacity in Minnesota, specifically Clay County’s project.
Administrator Josh Stevenson told the board the project "is supported by 29 counties, 11 tribal nations, and various cities," and that Clay County previously secured $1.2 million in 2025 to remodel an existing facility into an 18‑bed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF). He said the county is now seeking $28.38 million in state bonding to complete the expansion and that, with pre‑design complete, the project is "on track for a 2027 construction start." Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk moved to approve the letters and the board voted unanimously to do so.
Why it matters: County support adds regional weight to Clay County’s bonding request, which county staff and probation leadership said would expand capacity for youth statewide. Board members asked clarifying questions about timeline and regional support; Probation Director Jim Schneider provided additional context to the board during the discussion about juvenile services and placement needs.
The board’s action was procedural (letters of support), not an appropriation. No county funds were committed during the meeting, and the state bonding decision remains subject to the legislature’s process.
