Barnes County Emergency Manger Addresses Data Center Concerns
The Barnes County Commission voted to enact a 6-month moratorium on data center developments to establish necessary guidelines. This decision followed concerns from residents regarding environmental impact, water usage, and electricity rates. The county plans to ensure public notification for any future data center proposals.
The Barnes County Commission in North Dakota has enacted a six-month moratorium on potential data center developments. The decision was made to allow the county sufficient time to establish guidelines and regulations should interested companies approach local government entities.
Barnes County Emergency Manager Jessica Jenrich explained that residents voiced concerns during the board meeting regarding the environmental impact, water usage, and potential increases in electricity rates. Additionally, residents expressed apprehension about Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) that might be involved in such projects.
Jenrich assured the public that the county intends to provide notifications for any proposed agreements or upcoming public hearings related to data centers. The City of Valley City confirmed that no data center companies have approached them yet. Jennifer Feist, Director of Economic Development for the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation, stated that her organization is also unaware of any specific data center projects planned for Barnes County, apart from an existing one in Ellendale, ND.