Yellowstone County has reached an agreement with a data center developer, mandating the company to cover road wear and tear expenses for a new project. On Tuesday, the Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Big Sky Digital Infrastructure. This move ensures the developer pays for costs tied to the initial phase of its extensive data center project near Broadview, which has faced resident opposition.
Public Works Director Monica Plecker highlighted that the agreement safeguards taxpayers from private development costs. She clarified that the contract is unrelated to land use, water, or electricity considerations. “In no way is this agreement any sort of approval for land use, water, electricity,” Plecker emphasized. “We are talking about the condition of the road and the use of the road.”
Covering the designated route, the agreement involves one mile of Heiken Road and four miles of Buffalo Trail Road. Developers will exclusively use this path to transport materials, according to the agreement. The developer must employ drone imagery to document current road conditions and conduct weekly inspections. A new gravel road is required on the Heiken Road portion.
Plecker informed Montana Free Press that Buffalo Trail Road, improved in recent years, won’t need enhancements during the project’s initial phase. The developer must hire a county-approved contractor for road maintenance tasks and secure a $250,000 surety bond for obligations.
Set to begin on Nov. 1, Big Sky Digital Infrastructure’s plans include creating a gravel road and a well site on its 8-square-mile property, with the well expected to be completed by May 1, 2027. The current agreement only covers the project’s initial phase; further work will require a new contract. The Heiken Road project will be subject to a public bidding process in Yellowstone County.
Yellowstone County signs deal for data center developer to pay road costs appeared first on Montana Free Press.
—
Read More Montana News
