Planning official: proposed data center would use closed‑loop system; board approves conditional use permit

Planning and Zoning Administrator Hilary Betka told the Merrick County Board of Supervisors on May 12 that a proposed data center on parcel 11‑15‑4 (parcel 292.00) would operate as a closed‑loop system and "would not continuously use water." The board voted to approve the conditional use permit, requiring a decommissioning plan, a landowner lease and a bond to cover remediation if the facility fails. The motion passed by roll call: all ayes.