Some Butte officials report mostly positive feedback from Washington data center tour

Butte-Silver Bow officials, including District 7 Commissioner Josh O’Neill and Commissioner Russ O’Leary, recently toured a Sabey Data Center in Quincy, Washington, to assess the potential impacts of Sabey's proposed 600-acre data center at the Montana Connection industrial park south of Butte. The delegation of eleven representatives engaged with local residents in Quincy and observed the facility, with many returning with positive impressions regarding community development, job creation, and tax revenue benefits. Commissioner O’Neill expressed feeling "really good" about the project's potential for Butte, citing job and tax benefits. Commissioner O’Leary, who had previously voiced concerns, reported receiving mainly positive feedback from Quincy residents, with primary issues revolving around increased traffic and construction personnel, which were not viewed as "super negative." Butte Local Development Corp. Director Kelly Sullivan highlighted Quincy's experience, noting the data center's contribution to community development projects like a new fire station, high school, and junior high renovation. Sabey Data Center has set an August deadline to finalize its decision on building in Butte, with Commissioner O’Leary emphasizing the need for more detailed tax revenue projections for future budgeting.