Morton County data center debate continues with public meeting
Residents of Mandan, Morton County, North Dakota, are expressing concerns about a proposed data center in their area. In response, the Morton County Planning and Zoning Commission is drafting a new ordinance specifically for AI data centers. This ordinance is slated for presentation at an upcoming commission meeting.
The debate surrounding data center development, a national issue, is actively continuing in North Dakota, particularly in Morton County. Concerned residents from Mandan recently gathered at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library to discuss a potential new data center near their community. The public meeting was organized by Signe Snortland, a North Dakota State Senate candidate for District 33.
Holly Burch, a member of the Morton County Planning and Zoning Commission, revealed that the county is currently in the process of drafting a specific ordinance for AI data centers. Burch highlighted the importance of public input, noting past instances where legislators questioned community involvement in such decisions. She emphasized that while the ordinance is being written with residents in mind, the Planning and Zoning members and the Morton County Commission need to hear from the public to ensure its effectiveness.
The proposed AI data center ordinance is scheduled to be formally presented at the Morton County Planning and Zoning meeting on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., indicating an upcoming decision point for the new regulations.