By Mayor Javier Perea
New Mexico’s border region is quickly becoming one of the major economic drivers in our state. Santa Teresa saw over $40 million in new private investment in 2019. That same year, global exports from Santa Teresa increased by 31% and exports to Mexico increased by 68%. These numbers will only continue to grow if economic activity in the area is carefully planned for sustainable growth.
That’s why the Doña Ana County Commission should delay its vote on the upcoming industrial revenue bond issue for Project Jupiter.
The County Commission is considering an industrial revenue bond for one company that comes in at a staggering $165 billion. This number dwarfs other investments and growth in the area. This may be exciting, but the commission owes industrial operators and county residents some answers about the project this will be supporting.
First, the water. Where is the water coming from to support both the construction and operation of the massive data center complex proposed by Project Jupiter? Data centers of this scale are known to consume very large amounts of water, which in a desert climate represents a serious burden on existing supplies.
Even if the project’s cooling systems operate as promised, county commissioners should ask detailed questions and demand clear answers about how the region’s water supply will be protected.
BorderPlex Digital chairman and co-founder Lanham Napier has proposed that the data center will operate on a “closed-loop” system, requiring only one fill-up. That’s encouraging, if accurate. Still, in a desert climate where daytime temperatures can soar into triple digits, the county should not simply take assurances at face value without a comprehensive plan for water sourcing, infrastructure and long-term sustainability.
The County Commission also needs to consider the infrastructure required to deliver this water to the project site. The County is currently exiting its relationship with Camino Real Regional Utility Authority and has yet to set forth a plan for water infrastructure in the unincorporated areas of Doña Ana County.
They have also been slow to fully hand over the reins to the city of Sunland Park so it can establish its own utility service and make investments and improvements to the utility system that the community is demanding.
The county should work to answer these questions before the area overcommits its water and infrastructure resources to a project with so many unknowns.
I would also ask the county to work with us to prioritize other pressing needs that support responsible growth. Transportation is one such pressing concern. Our border roads are already strained by growing trade and commuter traffic.
A project of this magnitude will only compound the pressure unless Doña Ana County commits to working with the state of New Mexico and the city of Sunland Park on a coordinated plan for road safety and freight capacity. This includes working together to construct new roadways in and out of the Sunland Park-Santa Teresa region, to alleviate growing congestion on the few roads leading to this booming area.
To date, no such collaboration has been offered.
And, finally, let’s work on housing. Jobs cannot be considered a benefit if the workers who fill them cannot afford to live here. Project Jupiter promises thousands of positions, yet there has been no serious discussion of where these families will find affordable homes, or how our schools, parks and services will expand to keep pace. Sunland Park is working to expand affordable housing options, but this responsibility cannot fall on our community alone.
At $165 billion, this proposed IRB would eclipse any bond package we have seen in recent New Mexico history. Before the County Commission commits to a deal of this scale, it must show the public exactly how they expect to secure the water, road capacity and housing options needed for this project, not only for the expected incoming workers but for the families who already live here.
Anything less would be gambling with the future of our community.
Javier Perea is mayor of the city of Sunland Park, New Mexico.
The post Opinion: Sunland Park mayor urges Doña Ana County to delay $165 billion Project Jupiter bond over water, housing, and road concerns appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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