Dear Editor: Butte is on the Move

Dear Editor,

Butte is on the move. As a fourth-generation Butte resident, I am thrilled to see the growth and development that is occurring in our community. Looking around, we see new developments at the Mall, Cornerstone Plaza, Uptown Butte, and various other areas across town. If you take a ride west of Butte to the Montana Connections Business Park, you will be amazed at the growth in that area, coming from both large and small businesses. That is exactly what was expected when that Industrial Park was created. It meant more good-paying jobs, an expanded tax base, and an impetus for additional growth.

When the Montana Connections Business Park was created in the early 90's, Butte was fortunate to land an anchor tenant named ASiMI that saw an opportunity for success in a town labeled as the 'Can Do' city. Now, although they have a new name (REC), they remain as an anchor tenant in the Park. When they selected Butte as their next plant site, many Butte residents suggested that the location of this new company would be transformational. And it was! Today, the Park is home to many well-recognized businesses that employ more than 500 well-paid employees from southwestern Montana and provide a sizable tax base to Butte Silver Bow.

Recently, the community has been abuzz about the possibility of a data center locating in the Montana Connections Business Park. While I agree that Butte needs to complete its due diligence, I would argue that the location of a data center such as the one proposed would be again transformational for Butte and southwestern Montana. Yes, we need to address concerns related to energy, water, and other key requirements for data centers, and we will!

Recently, John Kasperick, the Director of Budget & Finance at NorthWestern Energy and a well-respected economist, completed an impact analysis related to the location of a data center in the Park. In the study, he found that the construction impacts would be significant over the initial 3-year period. Once operational, the estimated direct and indirect jobs would be significant, likely driving an additional $55 million in labor income.

Additionally, it is expected that other tech-related businesses would follow suit.

To me, this is another chance to showcase Butte and southwestern Montana as the 'Can Do' and 'Will Do' city. This is a huge opportunity not only for Butte but all of southwestern Montana.

Rather than be a city that is shrinking and saying 'no' to unique opportunities, let's welcome them to Butte and help them to be a new anchor in Montana's premier industrial park! Let's create good-paying jobs so that our children and grandchildren can remain in Butte and enjoy a rewarding career!

RICK EDWARDS

NorthWestern Energy

Butte, Montana