Committee members, residents alarmed at possibility of selling Missouri Valley Complex land to data center developers

Committee members and some attendees said they oppose selling the Missouri Valley Complex land for large commercial development after a broker at a recent county commission meeting said he was looking for roughly 300 acres under the power-line easement for a data center.

Members said the property lies inside city limits in some areas, which complicates county control, and several committee members urged the Burleigh County Commission to adopt clearer policy or a ballot amendment to restrict disposal or sale of the complex until the county27s long-term plan is settled.

Why it matters: Committee members said a sale could undercut long-standing uses and capital investments made by local groups, including the equestrian community, and that a sale to a deep-pocketed commercial developer could materially change land use and local budgets. Several members urged legal review of the property27s original purchase agreement, which earlier committee members said may have restricted use to fairgrounds.

Key points - A broker recently told the county commission he is searching for about 300 acres under transmission lines; committee members reported receiving many emails from residents urging that the land not be sold. - Members noted that the City of Bismarck has finalized zoning that allows data centers in some locations; parts of the complex and adjacent parcels lie within city limits, complicating restrictions the county can impose. - Several committee members proposed exploring either (a) a county policy to protect the land, (b) a charter amendment or ballot measure restricting sale or commercial uses, or (c) ensuring sale proceeds are restricted to fairground-related purposes. - Committee members asked the state's attorney to check historical documents and purchase agreements for any use restrictions tied to the county27s acquisition of the land.

Process and legal questions Committee members referenced prior work indicating the county in 2001 removed a statutory clause that previously limited the property's use to fairgrounds; one member said records show the language was removed in about February 2001. Members said they will ask legal counsel to confirm whether any enforceable restriction remains in the county27s title or in recorded purchase documents.

Ending Members asked staff to bring legal research and suggested policy options back to the committee so the group can recommend whether to pursue a charter amendment, ordinance, or other protective measures before the county proceeds with any disposition of property.