Governor Kelly Armstrong | North Dakota Office of the Governor
Governor Kelly Armstrong | North Dakota Office of the Governor
Governor Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden, in collaboration with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Heart River Correctional Center (HRCC). This new facility, located in Mandan, will be dedicated to women's corrections and focuses on rehabilitation and safety.
Spanning 191,500 square feet, the center will offer 304 beds, significantly more than the Dakota Women’s Correctional Rehab Center in New England, which has been repurposed from a school since 2003. The construction of HRCC is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
“This day is historic for North Dakota because for the first time in our state’s 135-year history, we’re breaking ground on a correctional facility designed specifically for women,” Armstrong stated during the event. He emphasized the importance of providing modern facilities for both staff and residents, focusing on rehabilitation and preparation for reentry into society.
Director Colby Braun and Warden Connie Hackman Rivinius elaborated on HRCC's mission, which includes creating a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and family connections. Braun articulated that "the focus will be on reentry – on preparing them for the day they will return to their families and communities," highlighting the intention behind the facility's programs.
Hackman Rivinius commented on the facility's objectives, "We will continue to expand on what HRCC currently does, assist women in becoming the best versions of themselves through programming, role modeling, relationships, and accountability." The center aims to provide a trauma-responsive and gender-responsive environment to aid skill-building.
The project received $131.2 million in funding approval from state legislators in 2023, with additional funds proposed by Armstrong amounting to $35.6 million for the 2025-27 period, culminating in a total budget of $166.8 million. The facility’s design is developed by JLG Architects in association with JB Marie and DLR Group.
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