Mandan, North Dakota

Learn About the Proposed Mandan Data Center Project

Stark Power is evaluating the development of a proposed data center and natural gas generation campus in Mandan. Our goal is to be a long-term partner to the community — sharing information openly, listening to residents, and ensuring the project aligns with Mandan’s long-term vision.

About the Project

A Proposed Data Center Campus for Mandan

Data centers are the physical facilities that store and process the digital information that powers businesses, healthcare providers, financial institutions, cloud services, streaming platforms, artificial intelligence applications, and countless everyday online activities.

Our goal is to work closely with local officials, neighboring property owners, and the community throughout the planning process to answer questions, provide accurate information, and listen to feedback.

The project is currently in the planning process. No construction has begun.

Project at a Glance

Location

Mandan, North Dakota

Type

Data Center & Natural Gas Generation Campus

Status

Planning & Public Review Phase

Construction Jobs

~1,000 full-time positions

Permanent Jobs

~150 full-time positions

Est. Annual Economic Benefit

$40-50 million

School Funding Share

~48% of annual property taxes to Mandan Public Schools

Project Overview

Quick Answers to Common Questions

These answers provide an overview of the proposed project. For more detailed information, visit our Q&A section below.

Data centers are the physical backbone of modern life. Behind every online transaction, streaming show, telehealth visit, GPS route, and cloud-based business tool sits a secure facility full of servers, networking equipment, and advanced cooling systems.

No. The project is currently in the planning and public review process. Additional approvals are required before construction can begin.

Yes. Community engagement is an important part of the planning process. Public meetings, this website, and direct communication with the project team will provide multiple opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback.

Construction timelines have not yet been finalized. Updates will be shared as planning and permitting progress.

Construction is expected to support hundreds of construction-related jobs over multiple phases. Once operational, the facility will create permanent positions supporting engineering, facilities management, maintenance, security, and operations.

  • Attend community meetings
  • Visit this website for updates
  • Sign up for project updates below
  • Contact the project team directly with questions

About Stark Power

Experienced Infrastructure Development

Stark Power develops energy and digital infrastructure projects designed to support growing demand for reliable power and next-generation computing. The company’s leadership team brings decades of experience developing large-scale energy infrastructure projects across the United States.

Earlier this year, Stark Power expanded its development portfolio through the acquisition of Sagebrush Infrastructure Partners, adding a pipeline of planned data center development capacity across multiple U.S. markets.

Why Mandan?

This location was identified because it offers the combination of land, power availability, and supporting infrastructure needed for a project of this scale. Stark Power is committed to ensuring any proposed development aligns with Mandan’s long-term vision, priorities, and growth.

Detailed Q&A

Questions We're Hearing

We understand that projects of this size raise important questions. This section addresses the topics residents and local officials ask most often.

Protecting Mandan’s water resources is one of Stark Power’s highest priorities. Unlike many traditional data centers that rely on water-intensive evaporative cooling systems, the proposed facility will utilize a closed-loop, air-cooled system designed to minimize ongoing water use. Stark Power is committed to funding any water or wastewater infrastructure improvements necessary to serve the project, ensuring the data center does not increase water or wastewater rates for Mandan residents.

The proposed data center is being designed with dedicated on-site natural gas generation, supplemented by energy contracts within the MISO network. Stark Power will fully fund the generation, transmission, and other infrastructure improvements required to serve the project — ensuring those costs are not passed on to local residents or businesses. The project is not expected to increase electric rates for Mandan utility customers.

The proposed facility is being designed to operate as quietly as possible. Major mechanical equipment is planned to be located near the center of the property to maximize distance from neighboring properties. The facility is also expected to incorporate acoustically engineered enclosures, sound-dampening materials, and engineered sound walls. Stark Power plans to complete a professional acoustical study to model expected sound levels before construction begins.

The proposed project is expected to create both significant construction employment and long-term career opportunities in Mandan. During construction, Stark Power estimates the project will support approximately 1,000 full-time jobs, including electricians, engineers, pipefitters, project managers, and other skilled trades. Once operational, the data center and dedicated generation facility are expected to support approximately 150 full-time positions, with average wages projected to be approximately twice the statewide all-industry average in North Dakota.

The project is expected to generate approximately $40-50 million in annual economic benefit, providing a long-term source of funding for the community. Based on current estimates, approximately 48% of property tax revenue would support Mandan Public Schools, 23% would support the City of Mandan, and the remaining 29% would support Morton County, the Mandan Park District, the Lower Heart Water Resource District and the State of North Dakota.

Together, these investments are expected to strengthen local schools, public services and community infrastructure while creating long-term economic value for Mandan.

Community Benefits

Investing in the Community

Large infrastructure projects provide long-term economic benefits to the communities where they are located. In addition to generating property tax revenue, Stark Power intends to establish a Community Benefit Agreement.

Construction Employment

~1,000 full-time construction jobs across multiple phases, supporting local skilled trades.

Long-Term Operations Jobs

~150 permanent positions with wages projected at approximately twice the statewide average.

Increased Tax Revenue

Significant increase in annual property tax revenue benefiting schools, city, and county.

Local Business Opportunities

Opportunities for local businesses and contractors throughout construction and ongoing operations.

Critical Infrastructure

Investment in power, water, and transportation infrastructure that benefits the broader community.

School Funding

~48% of property tax revenue benefits Mandan Public Schools directly.

Community Benefit Agreement

A dedicated fund directed by community members to support workforce training and local priorities.

Estimated Annual Property Tax Distribution

Mandan Public Schools

48%

City of Mandan

23%

Morton County, Park District & Other

29%

Community Commitment

Our Commitment to You

We recognize that projects like this raise important questions, and we believe those questions deserve clear, timely answers. Our goal is to be a long-term partner to the Mandan community.

  • Sharing accurate, up-to-date project information.
  • Providing opportunities for community members to ask questions.
  • Listening to feedback from residents, local leaders, and stakeholders.
  • Working collaboratively with local government throughout the permitting process.
  • Continuing communication as the project moves forward.

Community input is an important part of the development process.

We encourage residents to participate in upcoming meetings and submit questions at any time.

Public Meeting

Community Open House

Community members are invited to attend an upcoming open house to learn more about the proposed project.

Date

Thursday, Aug. 20

Time

5–7 PM CT

Admission

Free

Signature Events

401 W. Main Street | Mandan, ND 58554

Email

info@starkpower.com