Barnes County Commission Extends Data Center Moratorium
The Barnes County Commission unanimously extended a six-month moratorium on potential data center development to give officials more time to establish county guidelines. The action followed concerns from Barnes County residents about companies securing land through nondisclosure agreements before public input.
The Barnes County Commission unanimously extended a six-month moratorium on potential data center development in Barnes County, allowing officials additional time to create development guidelines if an interested company approaches the county. Emergency Manager Jessica Jenrich provided further context for the commission’s decision.
The moratorium follows concerns raised by Barnes County residents over data center companies allegedly locking up land through nondisclosure agreements before the public can weigh in. Valley City officials said in May 2026 that no data center companies had approached the city.