Bonner Mill data center proposal sparks community Q&A session

BONNER, Mont. — As plans for a new data center at the Bonner Mill Industrial Park unfold, residents are raising concerns about its potential impact on the community. The industrial park is crucial to the local economy, and the arrival of the data center has prompted many questions.

Joyce Morgan, a Bonner resident, voiced her concerns, particularly regarding the environmental and traffic impact of the new facility.

"Is it going to hurt the river or is it going to hurt the traffic," Morgan said. "And it is an area that's right across from the elementary school. So that's always a concern."

To address these concerns, Friends of Two Rivers, a local nonprofit, is hosting a community Q&A session this Friday. The session will feature both the Bonner Mill manager and the CEO of the proposed data company. Judy Matson, one of the directors of Friends of 2 Rivers, emphasized the importance of transparency in this process.

"I think if they are telling the truth and we can verify what they're saying, then people will be able to decide whether it's a good thing," Matson said. "I think if the questions are answered, the community is going to be happy to have a tenant in the mill."

The proposed data center is expected to be relatively small and will operate off of the residential power grid. It will also need to comply with Missoula County's renewable energy investment requirements.

For Morgan, trust in Bonner Mill management is key.

"I don't think anybody really knows, we don't have the eight ball, so we don't know that it's going to be a good thing," Morgan said. "But you do have to trust. And like I say, these gentlemen have brought things that are real positive to the community."

The community meeting is scheduled for Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Bonner.