Planning Process

The planning process is the method the State uses in the preparation and development of the new mental health treatment facility. The facility is expected to be a secure treatment environment that protects the public, the staff, and the patients.

Feasibility Study

A feasibility study of Bed Needs and Related Facilities was commissioned by the State to explore the feasibility of designing and constructing a new facility that meets the aforementioned criteria. In addition, the study includes alternative delivery methods and an economic analysis. Upon completion of the study a recommendation is made as to the practicality of the project: Completed April 1998.

Site Selection Process

Criteria for the facility were established by the Department of Mental Health. The criteria required local community jurisdictions demonstrate support for the project as well the facility is to be located with an existing California Department of Corrections correctional facility. The Department of Mental Health contacted all communities that currently have a correctional facility. Based on the established criteria three potential sites were identified: Final selection of a site was made through the Environmental Impact Report Process with final approval granted by the Legislature: Completed October 2000.

Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR):

The DEIR report is prepared by the Department of General Services as required by the California Environmental Act. The essence of the report is to provide decision-makers, public agencies, and the general public objective information that fully discloses the environmental effects associated with the construction and operation of the proposed project. Also within this report are various identified mitigation issues to be addressed. The public is granted 60 days upon release of the report to comment on the proposed project: Completed February 2000.

Public Review:

From the initial release of the Draft Environmental Impact Report the Department of General Services requested public comment or review of the report. The public review period for the DEIR was February 14, 2000 - April 14, 2000: Completed April 2000.

Final Environmental Impact Report:

After review by the Administration and approval from the Legislature, certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report was signed by Dr. Stephen Mayberg acknowledging Coalinga as the preferred site for the new mental health treatment facility: Completed October 2000.

Approval of Preliminary Plans and Site Approval

The Public Works Board approved site selection and Preliminary Plans for the new hospital at their December 8, 2000 meeting: Completed December 2000.

Mitigation Funds:

Upon receipt of the required resolutions adopted by the various governing body's of each impacted city or county agency, the Department of Mental Health prepares for the distribution of mitigation funds to the County of Fresno Office of Education and the City of Coalinga. These funds are intended to ease the impacts created by the construction and operation of the new mental health facility. They are special community mitigation funds per the 2000/2001 Budget Act approved by the Governor and the Legislature: Completed May 2001.

Ground Breaking:

Initial groundbreaking and rough site grading of the Coalinga site is anticipated to begin in the Fall of the year 2001.

Construction:

Completed construction of the new mental health facility is expected to require from 30 - 36 months time with a projected completion date to be in the Fall of the year 2004.