Harwood Approves $3B Data Center Despite Resident Opposition, Fargo Annexation Threat

The Harwood City Council gave final approval Wednesday for a $3 billion data center project, despite fierce opposition from residents and a brewing territorial dispute with Fargo. Texas-based Applied Digital received zoning approval for 320 acres to build an artificial intelligence facility southeast of Harwood. The packed city hall meeting included protesters holding signs against windows, but the council refused to allow public comments, according to reporting by Jeff Beach from the North Dakota Monitor. Meanwhile, Fargo plans to pursue annexing the site, claiming it’s better positioned to handle the infrastructure needs. Applied Digital says it will side with Harwood in any legal battle. The company hopes to break ground this month, with the first phase operational by late 2026.