Rehberg Urges Schweitzer to Consider Hardin Detention Facility for Cell Shortage Fix
Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, sent a letter to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer encouraging him to consider the Hardin detention facility to help address the future burgeoning prison population in Montana. The Two Rivers Detention Center, currently sitting empty, contains 464 beds that are currently unused. Rehberg's letter comes in response to reports that Montana's Corrections Advisory Council endorsed a plan to build 920 new prison beds in Montana.
"It's a little hard to understand why the state is considering building new prisons while a brand new facility sits empty in Hardin," said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "As a Montana taxpayer, I want my tax dollars be spent efficiently, and unless we're considering every option, there is going to be duplication and waste. Hardin wants the prisoners. Apparently Montana needs the space. Let's cut through the bureaucracy and sit down together to find a workable solution."
In the letter, Rehberg observes that the Two Rivers Detention Center has tried a variety of options to fill its facility with both in-state and out-of-state prisoners, federal prisoners and even terrorists from Guantanamo Bay. In 2008, Governor Schweitzer indicated that Montana did not have enough prisoners to send to Hardin. Plans to build 920 new beds suggest that, in the near future, that will change.
Rehberg's letter to Schweitzer is the most recent in a long list of efforts on behalf of the Hardin Facility:
-- April 1, 2009: Sent a letter to Commissioner of Alaska Department of Corrections requesting a site visit and consideration of Hardin's facility
-- August 25, 2008: Sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons in support of Hardin's proposal to house low security federal prisoners
-- June 25, 2008: Reached out to Idaho Governor's office about potential housing of Idaho prisoners in Hardin.
-- August 2, 2004: Sent letter of support to Hardin city council, offering help in determining incarceration needs and encouraging federal officials to work closely with the city of Hardin on the proposed project.
"This should be an easy fix; we've got supply and demand in the same state," said Rehberg. "If we can't figure out a way to marry the two, Montanans are going to want an explanation, and so will I."
LETTER:
Dear Governor Schweitzer:
With the recent decision by Montana's Corrections Advisory Council to endorse a plan for 920 new prison beds in our state it is becoming apparent that our prison population will be growing beyond current capacity. Further compounding this problem is a concern that the state will not have the funding necessary to construct these beds. As advisory council member Eve Franklin stated, "With all the good intentions, we can't afford it. There will be no money in the budget." As you are aware, a 464 bed detention facility currently sits empty in Hardin. I respectfully request the consideration of the Hardin facility as a potential piece of the solution to our state's upcoming corrections capacity challenges.
To date, the Two Rivers Detention Center has attempted to fill its facility a variety of ways including with both in-state and out-of-state prisoners, federal prisoners, and even terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay Detention camp. In a March 24, 2008 letter to folks in the Hardin community regarding the potential for housing Montana Department of Corrections inmates in Hardin, you stated, "we do not have the prisoners to send to the facility." The recommendation this week from the Corrections Advisory Council, that a future need for prison beds will soon exist, appears to be at odds with your statement. I believe it's time for a closer look at Hardin as a viable answer to the long term needs of the Montana Department of Corrections.
I ask that your administration take a strong look toward the Hardin facility as you seek solutions for our state's long term corrections needs. If I can be of any assistance with this challenge, my office stands ready to help.
Sincerely,
Dennis Rehburg
Member of Congress