Barnes County Commission Places Moratorium on Data Centers
The Barnes County Commission has enacted a 6-month moratorium on data centers to develop guidelines for potential future projects. This decision follows concerns from local residents about data center companies acquiring land discreetly. Local development officials stated they are unaware of any specific data center projects south of Valley City, other than one in Ellendale.
The Barnes County Commission recently voted to implement a 6-month moratorium on new data center developments. The purpose of this temporary halt is to provide the commission with sufficient time to establish comprehensive guidelines and regulations, should local government entities be approached by interested data center companies.
The decision was influenced by concerns raised by some Barnes County residents during a regular board meeting. These residents expressed apprehension that data center companies might secure land through Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) before local authorities are fully aware or prepared.
Responding to these concerns, the city of Valley City clarified that it has not yet been approached by any data center company. Jennifer Feist, Director of Economic Development for the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation, also stated that the corporation is unaware of any data center projects being planned south of Valley City, aside from an existing facility in Ellendale, ND.