screen, test, and educate state ….

screen, test, and educate state correctional employees and inmates.

The CDC responded that while the state offered a clear plan for the money, some of the aid had to support local governments in making places like jails and police lockups safer. “The recipient needs to clearly state how confinement facilities that are not operated by the State Department of Corrections will be included,” CDC officials wrote.

Montana Department of Corrections spokesperson Alexandria Klapmeier said the department is following CDC guidelines for managing COVID but, when asked, did not directly answer whether department officials are concerned about safety issues within facilities while the projects are on hold.

“The department is hopeful these projects will be approved by the CDC to provide us with more tools to offer the best care possible to the inmates under DOC supervision,” Klapmeier said.