News and Project Information
Longpsur Wind Project
Morton County received a request from Minnesota Power (an Allete company) for a special use permit for a wind energy conversion facility called the Longspur Wind Project, on approximately 26,103 acres in Sections 13, 14, 24 Township 140N, Range 89W; Sections 1-4, 9-26, 28-33, 36 Township 140N, Range 88W; Sections 1, 4 & 5, Township 139N, Range 88W; Sections 5-8, 17-20, 28-34, Township 140N, Range 87W; Sections 4-6, 9 Township 139N, Range 87W.
This application was discussed at the October 22 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting and the October 28 County Commission meeting.
The application will be discussed at the November 19 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting and the November 25 County Commission meeting.
Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Mining Facilities
In September, 2024 Morton County adopted a moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities. This means that none of these facilities may be permitted in the County until the County develops and adopts siting and performance standards for these facilities. A moratorium cannot continue indefinitely. There is a task force currently working on a state-wide model zoning ordinance. This effort is being led by the ND League of Cities and the ND Association of Counties. Morton County Planning & Zoning Staff is also currently working on a land use code update for data center & cryptocurrency mining facility use standards that will be adopted for Morton County, specifically.
Carbon Dioxide Collection Facility Use Standards
At the Aug 27, 2024 regular meeting, the Board of Morton County Commissioners appointed a sub-committee to work on developing specific use standards for direct air capture facilities. The sub-committee consisted of:
Jackie Buckley (Morton County Commissioner)
Jesse Kist (P&Z Chairman)
Maria Tomac (P&Z Commissioner)
Kurt Swenson (Public interest)
Amir Moslemian (DAC industry interest)
Natalie Pierce (Staff)
Subcommittee meetings took place on:
Tuesday October 8 from 1-2:30pm.
Thursday November 21, 2024 from 1:30-3pm.
Thursday Jan 30 from 1:30-3pm. Notes from the meeting.
Thursday March 13 from 1:30-3pm.
Tuesday May 20 from 1:30-3pm.
Thursday July 24 from 1:30-2:30pm.
Drafts of the land use code update were presented at the June 25, 2025; August 27, 2025; and September 24, 2025 regular meetings of the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The County Commission approved the land use code amendment at their October 9, 2025 regular meeting. The updated Land Use Code can be found here.