EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — In September, the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $165 billion in industrial revenue bonds for Project Jupiter, a massive AI-training data center set to be built in Santa Teresa in the coming months.
The data center project is anticipated to be the largest single private investment in New Mexico’s history
John Boyd, principal of The Boyd Company Inc., described the project as one of the largest economic development initiatives in U.S. history, emphasizing its potential impact on the region.
According to Boyd, Project Jupiter will bring $160 billion over the next 30 years and $50 billion over the next five years, marking a significant economic milestone for New Mexico.
“When you think about it, the Southwest has really been the big winner in recent years with large-scale, billion dollar industrial projects,” said Boyd during a live interview with KTSM 9 News evening anchor Andy Morgan. “New Mexico has largely been a no-show in terms of these big economic development wins. With Project Jupiter, now, it’s welcome to the party New Mexico. This sends a great message to site seeking companies across the globe that New Mexico is open for business.”
The Boyd Company Inc. advises some of the nation’s largest companies where to locate facilities throughout North America, and has helped site some of the largest data center projects in the country. Their involvement with Project Jupiter has been as an independent third party, weighing in on the economic significance of the project for the region and for the state of New Mexico.
According to Doña Ana County, Project Jupiter is expected to create 750 new full-time, high-paying positions and 50 part-time roles within three years of operations, alongside 2,500 construction jobs during the build-out phase.
Boyd highlighted the strategic location of Santa Teresa near the port of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border, noting its proximity to Mexico and the potential for foreign direct investment opportunities.
“This site can accommodate the power demands and it speaks to the successful regionalist approach that the Borderplex Alliance has used in El Paso and Santa Teresa,” said Boyd.
Despite its economic promise, Project Jupiter has faced opposition due to environmental concerns related to its water and electricity consumption, as well as criticism over the rapid approval process and perceived lack of transparency.
While final permits are still pending, Project Jupiter is anticipated to begin initial operations in 2028, positioning New Mexico as a key player in the data center industry.
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