TAC Withdraws From Huge Data Center Project In Great Falls

TAC Has Pulled Out Of It's Lease In Great Falls

On October 23, 2025, I told you about TAC proposing to build a huge data center on the outskirts of Great Falls. And when I say huge, I mean the biggest data center in the state of Montana. (Billings and Butte are also in their sights.)

Catch Up: Are Data Centers The Latest Way To Sell Out Montana?

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Basically, there were 2 positive things about the data center moving here; permanent jobs and tax revenue.

I found a litany of reasons why we shouldn't have a data center here; Data centers notoriously add a huge amount of pollution to where they're located, a HUGE amount of water is needed for cooling, water that can't be reused, and a WILDLY ABSURD amount of power is needed, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

TAC Proposed "Project Cardinal" In June 2025

Montana Free Press reported on June 24, that TAC had proposed a 569 acre plot on the Northeast side of Great Falls featuring a 2 million square foot campus.

They bragged about offering around 200 permanent jobs for our area, but didn't mention they pay as low as $35,000 a year. To be fair, there are some as high as $135,000 but how many of those do you think there are as opposed to the $35,000 jobs?

They also need 600 mega watts of power daily. Something that isn't even currently available in Cascade County.

TAC Can't Operate The Data Center Without Northwestern Energy

WV News is reporting that TAC released the land they were planning to lease and are looking into other options because they haven't gotten a solid answer from Northwestern Energy.

Currently NW Energy's entire load for the YEAR is 750 megawatts. You and I both know that they would do anything in their power to make us pay for the upgrade that would make them millions.

They have proven how they don't keep their word.

Data Centers Are Notoriously Bad For The Area They Occupy

I couldn't find any real information that said if you want to transform your community and have a better life, start a data center.

In fact, it's just the opposite. Everywhere I look there are a bunch of reasons why we don't want these data centers in Montana. Not the least important is our water. We're already having trouble getting water where it's needed. Why would we let these land destroying polluters become entangled into our water issues?

All in all, it looks like this is a win for Great Falls and Montana. For now. We all know how companies with big pockets usually get their way.

We'll keep you updated on this story.

Sources: Montana Free Press, KVVR, WV News