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Butte-Silver Bow forms ad hoc committee to study proposed data center in Montana Connections Park
Summary
Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher announced formation of an ad hoc committee to evaluate community questions and alignment of interests for a proposed billion-dollar data center at Montana Connections Park; the committee includes local leaders and will publish agendas weekly through February.
Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher told the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners at their Jan. 7 meeting that he has formed an ad hoc Data Center committee to evaluate and communicate community questions and concerns about a proposed billion-dollar data center in Montana Connections Park.
Gallagher said the committee’s charge is to “evaluate, address, and communicate community questions and concerns” and to ensure the development aligns with “the economic, environmental and social interests of Butte-Silver Bow,” adding that the council’s agenda will be published every Tuesday through February to keep the public informed.
The chief executive named a group of community stakeholders to the panel, including Julia Crain, Brian Sullivan, Sarah Bourduin, Hattie Thatcher, Paul Babb, Kim Keenen, Kala Lappin, Karen Byrnes, Chancelor (from MT Tech), the dean from Highlands College, Bob Morris and Todd Tradigia. Gallagher described the membership as a “very diverse group of people.”
Why it matters: local officials said the project, described in the meeting as a "billion-dollar" development, could have substantial economic and environmental effects on the county and surrounding region. The committee is intended to centralize review and public communication rather than move straight to approvals.
What comes next: Council staff will publish committee agendas weekly through February, and committee work is expected to focus on evaluating alignment with the county’s economic, environmental and social priorities and responding to public concerns. No formal approvals for the data center were taken at the Jan. 7 meeting; the announcement established the review process.
