AI data center proposed for vacant Bonner mill building Character

A proposal has been made to establish an AI data center at a vacant mill building in Bonner, Montana. The data center would be a large-scale facility, capable of consuming around 9 to 10 megawatts of power. The proposal comes after the University of Montana closed its facility at the Bonner mill last fall, leaving the building vacant. CoreWeave, the company behind the data center project, was drawn to the site due to the existing infrastructure and the opportunity to bring back jobs to the community. Core Weave's general manager, Mike Heisey, says the company is committed to being a good neighbor to the Bonner community. They have been in discussions with Missoula County officials about zoning and are preparing to sign an agreement with the company. Heisey states that the data center would allow the mill and the Bonner community to keep their doors open and continue the work they already have. While some locals have expressed concerns about the data center's impact, Heisey emphasizes that the company is dedicated to transparency and being a responsible member of the community. The Bonner Community and Missoula County officials will be meeting to discuss the proposal.