Morton County residents discuss data center ordinance; developer eyes Mandan site
A public hearing in Morton County, North Dakota, drew over 150 residents to discuss a draft ordinance proposing limits and standards for future data centers. Concerns included noise, light pollution, environmental impacts, and taxpayer costs. Concurrently, a landowner in Mandan is in preliminary discussions with a data center developer regarding a potential project.
The Morton County Planning and Zoning Commission held a three-hour public hearing where over 150 residents expressed their views on a draft ordinance designed to set limits and standards for future data center developments in the county, excluding Mandan city limits. While no specific data center projects are currently planned in the county, commissioners are proactively working on regulations.
Attendees at the standing-room-only meeting at the Morton County Courthouse voiced a range of opinions, from supporting the draft ordinance as a "good starting point" to outright opposition, stating, "In a perfect world, there would be no data centers." Key concerns raised by residents included potential financial impacts on taxpayers, particularly regarding road infrastructure, as well as noise and light pollution. One speaker specifically advocated for requiring, rather than just suggesting, light shielding to protect migratory birds. The commission will now review the public input to potentially incorporate it into a new draft.
Separately, a landowner in Mandan is in preliminary discussions with an unnamed data center developer about constructing a facility within city limits. The landowner emphasized the importance of collecting extensive information and addressing all residential concerns before any sale is finalized. The city of Mandan declined to confirm any specific plans regarding this potential project. The next planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for August 19.