State and health systems report progress on three behavioral health builds in Bismarck, Williston and Grand Forks

Project leaders from CHI Saint Alexius, Williston CHI and Altru Health System provided status updates on three behavioral health projects funded with state and federal grant support.

CHI Saint Alexius’s executive sponsor said the Bismarck renovation will modernize 17,000 square feet, add 30 single rooms (including a 10‑bed flex/adolescent unit) and include sensory and quiet rooms; the design team and contractor (McCarthy) plan early demolition in May with a target completion by June 2027 to satisfy the grant agreement.

Theo Stoler, president of CHI Saint Alexius Williston, said demolition is finished, construction is underway and the hospital expects to finish the 10‑bed unit (nine inpatient beds plus a seclusion room) by December 2026; recruitment for psychiatrists and clinical staff is in process.

Joel Larson (Altru) said Grand Forks permits are secured, excavation and foundations have begun, and contractors estimate roughly 3% construction completion with financial draws tracking at about 8.5% of the state grant; the project targets completion in March 2027, weather permitting.

Speakers emphasized program design elements such as adolescent flexibility, staff training, and the need for partnerships with community providers to ensure sustainable operations after construction completes. Committee members asked about staffing, long‑term operations and the status of potential acquisitions; project leads said acquisition talks are at a nonbinding letter‑of‑intent stage.

No formal actions were taken; the presentations were informational and project leads agreed to continue providing progress photos and schedule updates.