Critical Data House plans $10B data center in Williston North Dakota

In a recent meeting of the Williams County Board of County Commissioners, discussions centered around a significant investment in cloud services infrastructure that could reshape the local economy. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as representatives from a North Dakota corporation, known as Data House, presented their ambitious plans for a new data center.

The proposed project, which could exceed $10 billion, aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility in Williston, with additional sites likely in Williams County. This investment promises to enhance connectivity across North Dakota, requiring extensive fiber optic infrastructure to be laid from Minneapolis and back. The representatives emphasized that this venture is not related to cryptocurrency but rather focuses on providing essential cloud services, akin to giants like PayPal and Microsoft.

As the conversation unfolded, the need for community engagement became clear. The company expressed a desire to hold township meetings and engage with local residents one-on-one to address concerns about the placement of the buildings and the potential impact on the community. They acknowledged a previous misunderstanding regarding property lines and committed to ensuring that neighbors are informed and involved in the planning process.

In a bid to gather more data and foster community relations, the representatives requested that the proposal be tabled. They aim to conduct noise studies and gather logistical information to present a comprehensive plan to landowners and stakeholders. The excitement surrounding the project was palpable, with hopes that it could bring significant economic benefits to the region while maintaining a commitment to transparency and community involvement.

As the meeting concluded, the board members were left with a sense of the potential transformation this data center could bring to Williams County, setting the stage for future discussions and community engagement efforts.