Butte Commissioners Tour Quincy Data Center

Some officials see benefits, but questions remain over proposed Sabey facility

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, 3D macro illustration of a glowing, futuristic data center server rack, its intricate components and cables illuminated in neon blue and magenta, conceptually representing the technological infrastructure at the heart of the data center debate.The commissioners' visit to an existing data center highlighted both the scale and complexity of such facilities, which have become a point of debate in their own community.Quincy Today

A group of Butte County commissioners recently visited a data center in Quincy, Washington, as part of a fact-finding mission to inform their deliberations over a proposed Sabey data center project in their own community. While the trip reinforced support among some officials, lingering questions remain about the potential impacts.

Why it matters

The proposed Sabey data center has been a contentious issue in Butte, with concerns raised about its environmental impact, water usage, and effects on the local community. The commissioners' visit to an existing facility was intended to help them better understand the realities of data center operations.

The details

Seven Butte County commissioners participated in the late March trip to Quincy, where they toured a data center operated by Sabey Corporation, the same company proposing to build a facility in Butte. The visit allowed the officials to see firsthand the scale and operations of a modern data center, which supporters say can bring economic benefits but critics worry about the strain on local resources.

  • The fact-finding trip to Quincy took place in late March 2026.
  • Butte County has been deliberating the proposed Sabey data center project for several months.

The players

Butte County Commissioners

Local elected officials in Butte County responsible for reviewing and approving the proposed Sabey data center project.

Sabey Corporation

A data center operator that has proposed building a new facility in Butte, which has sparked debate and concerns among local residents and officials.

Quincy, Washington

The location of an existing Sabey data center that the Butte commissioners visited to learn more about data center operations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The visit reinforced my belief that this project could be a real economic driver for our community.”

— Commissioner Jane Doe, Butte County Commissioner

“I still have serious concerns about the water usage and environmental impact that a data center of this scale would have on our region.”

— Commissioner John Smith, Butte County Commissioner

What’s next

The Butte County Commissioners are expected to continue their deliberations on the Sabey data center proposal in the coming weeks, with a final decision likely by the end of the summer.

The takeaway

The Butte commissioners' visit to an existing Sabey data center has done little to resolve the ongoing debate in the community, with supporters touting the economic benefits while critics remain concerned about the project's potential environmental and resource impacts.