AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Leaders of the Legislature are still trying to reach an agreement on a new mental health facility for Augusta, but Governor LePage says he's still hunting for a different place to build it.
The LePage Administration wants to build the 21-bed secure treatment facility next to the Riverview psychiatric center. It would House court committed patients who no longer need hospital level care, but cannot be released.
Democrats say they want more information about the proposed "step down facility" before they approve construction.
Speaker of the House Sara Gideon met with the Governor last Friday and said LePage agreed to provide the information they want.
On WVOM radio, the Governor said Tuesday, he isn't waiting for the Legislature and is searching for alternative sites for the building...which would not need Legislative approval.
Gideon told News Center Friday she thinks the facility is needed and is hoping they can get the needed information to be able to support the project by the first of the year.
