Stark Power hosts first public event on proposed Mandan data center project
Stark Power held its first public open house in Mandan, North Dakota, to address residents' concerns about a proposed data center project north of the city. Residents raised questions about potential impacts on noise, water use, infrastructure, and safety, particularly regarding nearby homes and schools. The company stated the project is still in early design stages, and locals are awaiting concrete answers.
Stark Power hosted its initial public open house in Mandan, North Dakota, providing residents with their first opportunity to directly engage with the company regarding a proposed data center development situated north of the city. The open house featured company representatives and technical experts available to answer questions on topics such as noise, water use, infrastructure, and safety.
Scott Novak, Vice President of Digital Infrastructure at Stark Power, described the event as an important first step. He emphasized the company's belief in the significant benefits, including revenue, community development, and economic jobs, that such a project could bring. Novak added that the company was eager to meet the community, listen to their concerns, and learn from their feedback.
However, local residents voiced considerable apprehension. Mavis Wall, a retired teacher, highlighted her biggest concern as the potential impacts on students at nearby schools, noting that half of Mandan's public school children attend these institutions. She specifically questioned the anticipated noise levels within classrooms, stressing the need for a quiet learning environment. The project remains in its early stages and has not yet been fully designed, leaving neighbors awaiting more definitive answers regarding its potential effects.