DEER LODGE, Mont. — Major construction is underway at the Montana State Prison as the first walls of a $156 million expansion and renovation project rise on the historic correctional campus. The large-scale effort represents one of the most significant reinvestments in the state’s correctional infrastructure in decades, aimed at increasing capacity, improving outdated facilities, and addressing long-term population demands.
According to the Montana Department of Corrections, the project will replace Units A, B, and C, while Unit D will be renovated to provide safer, more efficient space for both inmates and staff. The new additions are expected to streamline operations, provide more effective housing, and allow for better implementation of modern corrections technology.
The initiative stems from state leadership concerns about crowding at Montana’s prisons. Earlier this year, during a public announcement in April 2025, Governor Greg Gianforte emphasized that the prison system needed to respond to growing inmate numbers, noting that the men’s facility was “5% over capacity” while women’s facilities were “14% over capacity.”
The Governor also stated that the extension will help provide much-needed space. The jail extension is meant to add another 117 beds, a critical increase as the prison system keeps expanding.
.jpg)
Recent population figures show that the issue remains ongoing. As of November 20, 2025, the Montana State Prison population stood at 1,536 inmates, just under its limit of 1,551 beds. Statewide, a total of 3,369 people are incarcerated, against a maximum capacity of 3,435, according to the Department of Corrections’ population dashboard. Projections estimate that Montana will need 1,500 additional beds by 2044 to keep pace with anticipated growth.
Lawmakers responded to these trends during the 2025 legislative session, approving an additional $171 million to further expand the project. This extra funding will support two additional units and critical infrastructure improvements, significantly enhancing capacity and reinforcing long-term operational needs.
The planned upgrades include modern security systems and new correctional technology designed to improve safety, monitoring, efficiency, and staff resources. Facility enhancements will also aim to provide more humane and well-regulated environments for inmates—particularly in housing, programming, and common areas.
In addition to structural renovations, the prison will soon receive water system upgrades, following a recent outage caused by a leak that left the facility without proper water access for nearly 17 days. Addressing such vulnerabilities is a central focus of the expansion effort, ensuring that the facility meets both current and future operational standards.
Originally reported by Caleb McGever, NonStop Local Digital Producer in Montana Right Now.
