Disputes continue over proposed AI Data Center in Harwood

HARWOOD, N.D. (KVRR) — Protesters against the proposed AI Data Center stood outside the Harwood Community Center with signs that read, No power to AI and to Water for farms not for AI in light of the City Council meeting. The group was allowed to come inside and attend the meeting.

“Bridge of rezoning to hide from answering questions. This is the exact time. That’s what this is for, this is a public hearing.”

Harwood Mayor, Blake Hankey, warned the group that they would be removed if they continued interrupting by shouting comments. Several people were removed by the Cass County Sheriff’s Department.

During public comment, one person asked the question if the council had done any investigation into the land on the rusty patch bumblebee. The mayor said he had no knowledge.

“I will tell you that before you mentioned the rusty patch bumblebee, I was unfamiliar with it, so I do not know how to answer your question about how this will impact the rusty patch bumblebee. But I appreciate your question,” said Hankey.

“Going back to Elle’s question, do you think this might be rushed then, if you are unaware of all of this going on agricultural land here?” “Yup, no, not at all.” “Alright.”

The mayor of Ellendale was also in attendance and addressed the crowd on how Applied Digital has been working for his city.

“The annexation that took place with Applied Digital becoming a part of the city of Ellendale didn’t happen until this past February. So, from a financial standpoint, we as a city have not seen the benefits yet. That’s the truth because we won’t be because from a property tax perspective, we can’t see any record from that until 2026,” said Don Flaherty, Mayor of Ellendale.

Applied Digital CEO also addressed the crowd, stating that if they don’t make the project here, someone else will. Which includes Fargo.