Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, plans to invest $1.5 billion in an AI data center located in El Paso, Texas. This significant development is set on a 1,083-acre site west of U.S. Highway 54.
Project Overview
This project received the green light from the City of El Paso, with the Borderplex Alliance announcing that it will generate approximately 2,000 jobs. Of these, 1,800 positions will be for construction, and 100 roles will be dedicated to the facility’s operations. The AI data center aims to support Meta’s advanced AI technologies and applications.
Key Project Features
- Investment: $1.5 billion
- Location: 1,083 acres in El Paso, Texas
- Job Creation: 2,000 jobs, including 1,800 construction roles
- Water Restoration: 200% of operational water will be restored to the local watershed
Community Impact and Reactions
Bradley Davis, Meta’s Director of Data Center Community and Economic Development, highlighted the project’s strategic site selection. He noted the importance of having a “shovel-ready site” with strong infrastructure and community partnerships.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised the investment as a vital step that reinforces Texas’s leadership in artificial intelligence and innovation. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson expressed pride in the project, emphasizing its potential to deliver long-term economic benefits to the city.
El Paso County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego described this investment as historic, noting its capacity to enhance regional development and empower local workers. Meanwhile, Jon Barela, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, termed the announcement a game-changer for El Paso, potentially positioning the area at the forefront of technology-driven industries.
Utility Considerations
Kelly Tomblin, the President of EP Electric, assured residents that electricity rates would remain stable. The utility company is committed to maintaining reliability while ensuring that Meta covers the full costs associated with its operations.
Regional Developments
This announcement coincides with plans from Dona Ana County to launch Project Jupiter, a proposed $165 billion AI data center in Santa Teresa. However, that project has faced criticism from some community members.
The collaboration between the State of Texas, El Paso County, and the City of El Paso facilitated this substantial investment, marking a pivotal moment for the region’s economic landscape.
