Residents press for answers on proposed Broadview data center
A proposed 5,100-acre data center campus near Broadview, Montana, called the Big Sky Digital Infrastructure Project, is generating both support and significant community concern. Residents are pressing for answers on potential impacts, especially regarding water and power, at community meetings. Supporters highlight economic benefits and job creation, while opponents voice worries about environmental changes.
A proposed 5,100-acre data center campus, the Big Sky Digital Infrastructure Project near Broadview, Montana, is facing scrutiny and drawing mixed reactions from local residents. The Montana Environmental Information Center hosted a community meeting where both proponents and critics aired their views on the project's potential impacts.
Key concerns raised by residents include the project's demand for water and electricity, and its broader environmental implications. Cari Olson, founder of Just1Montanan, urged continued community involvement, noting past instances where public opposition has successfully halted large projects. Diane Buroff of Lavina specifically expressed worries about the impact on local well water, which her community relies heavily upon.
Conversely, supporters emphasized the economic opportunities and job creation the data center could bring to the area, which has seen limited development of this scale. Quantica Infrastructure, the developer, recently announced a memorandum of understanding with the Southeastern Montana Building and Construction Trades Council for the campus's construction. Riley McCauley, vice president of the council, highlighted the project's potential for equitable and long-term employment. Despite differing views, many attendees at the meeting agreed on the need for more information before any major decisions are made.