Small AI data center proposed for Bonner Mill Industrial Park

A proposal is in the works to put a small-scale artificial intelligence data center at the Bonner Mill Industrial Park in Bonner, Montana. The plan would place the data center in the former United Forest Products building along Highway 200, taking advantage of the existing infrastructure that previously housed a data center. Mike Heisey, general manager of the mill site, said the data center company behind the proposal was drawn to Bonner due to the building's infrastructure, which can support up to 30 megawatts of power externally. The proposed data center would start at 9-10 megawatts, well below the scale of most major data centers. Heisey said the data center's impact on the environment and community is a priority, noting it would use very little water and have minimal noise. The mill and the data center company have been meeting with Missoula County officials about zoning and regulations, and are preparing to sign a lease. Heisey said the proposed data center would bring back around 20 of the 60-70 jobs lost when United Forest Products closed their Bonner facility. A community meeting is being hosted this Friday to provide more details and allow residents to ask questions.