ELLENDALE, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Construction of a $7 billion dollar AI data center is underway in Ellendale, one of the many high-tech campuses that are popping up around North Dakota.

Applied Digital, builder of data infrastructure, first made the announcement of the new computer powerhouse back in June.

This is one of many data centers entering the state. While opinions vary regarding the Ellendale construction, city leaders are still addressing resident and community concerns.

During a packed city meeting this week, community members wearing No Eminent Domain t-shirts said “We want to let our elected representatives know we’ve had no representation or say in any of this.” Members of the group arrived to the meeting with a sign that read, “My land, my choice.”

Leon Westerhausen opposed several agenda items, including the AI data facility. He says, “It’s going to affect how they develop the land in the future. Westerhausen and other community members also raised concerns regarding the amount of power the data center will take to run.

According to Ellendale Mayor and Dickey County Tax Director, Don Flaherty, the AI campus was recently annexed into the city of Ellendale. He explained the taxes will go to the city instead of the township, in hopes of no increased costs.

The Ellendale AI data center is expected to be fully-operational by October 2025.