EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A major social media company is set to build a billion-dollar AI data center in El Paso.
According to the economic development agency, Borderplex Alliance, Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, will build a $1.5 billion facility in the Borderland.
This comes after the City of El Paso approved the sale of a plot of a 1,083 acres plot of land west of U.S. Highway 54 off of Stan Roberts Sr. Avenue in Northeast El Paso in 2023.
READ MORE:El Paso prepares for major tech boost with potential $800 million Meta data center deal
The Borderplex Alliance believes the new AI data center will create nearly 2,000 jobs, employing 1,800 people for its construction and 100 additional staff members to operate the center.
Borderplex explained that the AI data center will be part of the infrastructure supporting Meta’s AI technology and apps.
Local and state leaders lauded the deal.
“Texas is the epicenter of innovation,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Meta’s $1.5 billion investment in El Paso further cements our great state as the nation’s leader in artificial intelligence and innovation while creating new, good-paying jobs for Texans. Alongside companies like Meta and critical partners like the Borderplex Alliance, we will continue to lead the world in innovation as we build an even stronger and more prosperous Texas than ever before.”
“El Paso is proud to be the home for Meta’s new data center — a project that represents innovation, investment, and opportunity for our community, ” said El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson. “This project will create high-quality jobs and generate lasting economic benefits for our region. Attracting major employers like Meta is a key priority of my administration, and we’re grateful to all our partners who have worked to make this investment a reality.”
Meanwhile, El Paso County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego released a statement, saying, “This historic investment by Meta highlights El Paso County’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and economic opportunity. By creating hundreds of jobs and supporting our local infrastructure, this project will elevate our region, empower our talented workforce, and drive sustainable growth for years to come. My thanks to the Borderplex Alliance for working with El Paso County over the last few years to make this project a reality.”
Jon Barela, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, described the announcement as a “game-changer” for El Paso, adding that the deal is an example of how the Borderland can attract “world-class companies.”
“This project will propel our economy forward, foster high-tech jobs, create great jobs, and help further position our region as a leader in the next generation of technology-driven industries,” Barela said.
Brad Davis, the director of Data Center Community & Economic Development at Meta, spoke for the company when he said it was “excited” to bring the project to El Paso, adding that Meta chose the Borderland due to ts talent, energy resources and community partners.
According to the Borderplex Alliance, the deal was made possible thanks to the synergy between the State of Texas, El Paso County, and the City of El Paso.
The news comes as our neighboring leaders in Dona Ana County approved Project Jupiter, a plan to build a $165 billion AI data center in Santa Teresa.
That project sparked backlash from some community members.
READ MORE: El Paso residents voice concerns over $165 billion data center project
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