Montana leaders weigh how data centers could affect nearby towns

Montana — Community leaders and contractors were already weighing how possible large-scale data centers could affect nearby towns as discussions continued across the state.

Communities near Missoula and Billings were being considered for future large-scale facilities, though no major data center projects had officially been approved in Montana.

During a webinar, contractors used a hyperscale data center project in North Dakota as an example of what construction could look like in a rural community. They focused on the building phase and the strain that multi-year projects can put on smaller towns.

Those concerns included more traffic, temporary worker housing, dust and pressure on local infrastructure.

Contractors said developers often worked with local leaders before construction began. Those talks included traffic routes, housing availability and ways to limit impacts on nearby communities.

A construction executive said the goal was to avoid stretching a town too far.

“What the communities don't want and what we don't want to do is to overrun the capacity of what that community can bare. So, you know, these types of facilities that have the recreation amenities and the food services, right on campus, are a great option,” said Nathan Wood, executive vice president of McGough Construction.

Contractors also pointed to possible economic benefits. They said projects like these could bring road improvements and more business for local restaurants and services.