Grand Forks Herlad reports…

Increasing inquiries from data centers with an interest in Thief River Falls have resulted in the city announcing its intention to introduce an 18-month moratorium on data center-related projects.

Four to five prospective data centers have inquired with Thief River Falls representatives, but none materialized due to electrical cost demands. Time is needed, according to the city, to research and develop an ordinance to establish the standards for location, infrastructure, water, noise and rate-payer protection, among other factors.

It’s also to “protect the welfare of the residents of Thief River Falls,” according to City Council minutes.

“We all know supply and demand. If the supply for power goes up, so does the cost. I can’t see in good justice, or out of fairness to our taxpayers, turning around and saying ‘Sure, we’ll give this to you at cost,’” Thief River Falls Mayor Mike Lorenson said.

The council has set a date of Tuesday, Sept. 15, for consideration of adoption of an interim ordinance imposing a moratorium on the construction of a data center within the city limits. The vote to set a hearing date, or a moratorium, unanimously passed. A public hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. that day.