North Dakota: State hospital progress, Mandan data center petition, Minot flood protection funding discussed
Mandan residents have submitted a petition with over 700 signatures, asking the city to ban large data centers using 25 megawatts or more of electricity within city limits. Concerns include potential impacts on electricity and water usage. Mandan city officials have 10 days to review the petition, which could lead to a special election.
North Dakota is seeing progress on several fronts, including the construction of a new $300 million North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown. Governor Kelly Armstrong joined state leaders to sign a beam at the facility, which will offer 140 beds and is expected to finish in spring 2028, replacing the old 1885 hospital.
In Mandan, city leaders are reviewing a petition with over 700 signatures calling for a public vote to ban data centers and other industrial facilities that would consume 25 megawatts or more of electricity within the city and its zoning area. Residents, including Susan Beehler, expressed strong community support for the petition due to concerns over electricity and water usage. If validated, the proposed ban would go before Mandan voters in a special election.
Separately, the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project in Minot is facing a significant cost increase, now estimated at $1.7 billion, which is $672 million more than the original 2014 estimate. Ryan Ackerman, Administrator of the Souris River Joint Board, attributes the increase to a 70% surge in heavy civil construction costs between 2021 and 2023. Project leaders are requesting nearly $679 million from the Legislature over the next 12 years to combat inflation and ensure timely completion, with legislative efforts expected to begin in the state Senate in January. Even with new funding, the full project could still take 12 to 14 years to complete.