VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Barnes County Commission voted to place a 6-month Moratorium on potential Data Center’s to allow time to set guidelines if local government entities are approached any interested companies.

Barnes County Emergency Manager Jessica Jenrich talked about why the county voted for the moratorium.

During the board meeting a few residents expressed concern about the environment, water usage, and electricity rates as well as NDA’s known as Non-Disclosure Agreements.

Jenrich said the county plans to notify the public of any proposed agreements or upcoming public hearings centering on Data Centers.

The city of Valley City said no company has approached the city yet. Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation Director of Economic Development Jennifer Feist said the Development Corporation is unaware of any Data Center being located somewhere in Barnes County, except for the one in Ellendale, ND.

The full interview with Jenrich is below.