Residents press council on Montana Connections/Sabey data center; staff outlines process, acreage and water roles

Residents pressed the Butte‑Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on Nov. 12 with detailed questions about a proposed Sabey (Horizon) data center at Montana Connections — from the project's acreage and lighting to wastewater composition, water source and tax impacts — and county staff provided a preliminary response describing the review process, regulatory responsibilities and next steps.

Sarah Bordoon, who organized a community "Beyond the Boom" conversation on Oct. 16, read a list of 17 questions compiled from attendees and asked for public transparency on footprint, light and noise pollution, wastewater composition and handling, whether the county has a decision framework weighing permanent jobs and usable tax revenue against water and power impacts, and what public process will occur before any sale or approval.

County staff answered that the purchase and sale agreement with Horizons Montana LLC covers 606.5 acres of Butte‑Silver Bow land within the Montana Connections Targeted Economic Development…