Fladager Selected For Data Center Exchange

Daniels County Commissioner Tammi Fladager has been selected by the National Association of Counties to attend its Data Center Peer Exchange, Dec. 14–16, in Dorchester County, S.C. Only a small group of county officials from across the country were chosen. They will meet with counties that have already worked through data center projects and learn what went right, what went wrong, and what they wish they had known.

“Data centers are coming to Montana,” Fladager said. “Our own Sheridan Electric has already upgraded its lines to get ready for one. Someone may knock on our door sooner than we think.”

Facts before fears Many people in rural Montana have concerns about data centers, and Fladager says that’s fair. “Some of what we hear is true, and some of it isn’t,” she said. “Our job is to know the difference before a company shows up, not after.” Among the questions she plans to ask:

• Were the funds received in taxes worth the work and risk of the new technology?

• How many local jobs came with it?

• How much water and electricity does it use, and did rates go up for everyone else?

• How many types of data centers are there?

• What can a county require of a data center, and what can’t it?

• If the company leaves, who pays to clean up?

• Did you have an impact fee agreement?

Fladager is asking residents to send their own questions before she leaves. “If you have a question, a worry, or something you’ve heard and want checked, send it to me. I’ll take as many as I can to South Carolina and share the answers when I get back.” Questions can be sent by Dec. 10 to commissionerfl adager@outlook.com, or shared with Fladager at any commissioners meeting. “If we learn now, we can protect our county and make good choices,” Fladager said. “If we wait, someone else will make them for us.”