Unions urge support for Sabey data center; council to form ad hoc committee to study impacts

Union representatives and local tradespeople pressed the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on Dec. 22 to support the proposed Sabey data center, saying it would create high-paying construction jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

Joel Worth, who identified himself as a representative of the Carpenters Union, said the project “will provide Butte carpenters with high-paying family-supporting jobs” and create apprenticeships that help retain young workers. “Projects like the Sabey data center help solve that problem,” Worth said.

Other speakers echoed the jobs message: a union member who identified himself as Mr. Frost urged the council to consider water-use context rather than worst-case figures; Nick Collins and Mike Bridal (union carpenters/electricians) described long-term local construction work and higher wages; Tanner Burt and other early-career tradespeople described how apprenticeships changed their lives. Dwayne Woke, speaking for local electricians, urged commissioners to visit the proposed site before a decision to check noise, light and power-line routing.

Chief Executive Gallagher said the county will form an ad hoc committee to study impacts and gather questions for the developer; he said members will include representatives from Montana Tech, the Butte Local Development Corporation (BLDC), the Chamber of Commerce and commission representatives. Gallagher also said Sabey provided a facilities link that would be posted for commissioners to review.

Council members did not take a final vote on the Sabey proposal at the meeting; the ad hoc committee is expected to gather technical information and public feedback for future council consideration.