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McCone County commissioners review draft resolution on AI and data-center siting
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a draft resolution aimed at giving the county earlier notice and a say over AI and data-center proposals, raising concerns about water use, noise and planning authority; the board moved to add protections to the county policy manual and continue revisions.
The McCone County Board of Commissioners spent significant time on June 8 reviewing a draft resolution intended to address AI facilities and data-center siting in the county.
Commissioners said they want clearer notice and a formal role when developers propose data centers. A commissioner told the board that local impacts could include heavy water use from Fort Peck and “ambient noise” and vibration concerns near cabins and rural properties. Board members said those potential impacts and lessons from recent wind-tower sitings argue for adding explicit protections and review steps in the county’s planning documents.
The board discussed adding language to the county policy and procedure manual so commissioners would be notified earlier in the review process and so local resource and noise protections would be addressed in permitting. Commissioners also noted the need to capture required signatures on contract amendments and to coordinate with county planning staff when drafting standards.
No formal ordinance or permit was adopted at the meeting. The board continued work on the draft resolution and instructed staff to include additional provisions to protect county interests and to ensure the planning documents address any gaps that could allow a proposal to proceed without county input. The board plans further review at a future meeting.
