News and Project Information

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. Planning & Zoning staff will work on developing these standards and there will be multiple public hearings, likely in late 2025, to incorporate public comments. Check back here for updates. 

Direct Air Capture Use Standards Draft

The subcommittee developed a draft land use code amendment that will be scheduled for a public hearing at the June 25, 2025 regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission. Draft will be included in the meeting packet, but it can also be viewed via the link above. Staff may not be able to respond individually to all public comments related to the draft. Each member of the public is asked to consolidate his/her comments in one communication/document. Comments received after June 19th may not be included in the meeting packet. 

At the Aug 27, 2025 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 consists 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 at the Morton County Highway Department conference room (2916 37th Street NW, Mandan) 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.

and Tuesday May 20 from 1:30-3pm.