EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14/CBS4) — A third proposed data center project could be coming to the Borderland, this time on Fort Bliss land, as Army officials prepare to meet with community members amid concerns about potential impacts to nearby neighborhoods.
Army officials are hosting a community session later today at the Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel Conference Center to discuss a proposed commercial data center project tied to a conditional agreement between Fort Bliss and global investment firm Carlyle.
Officials say the project could bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in private investment to the region.
In March, Fort Bliss officials announced the conditional agreement with Carlyle to build and operate the data center.
RELATED: US Army announces agreement with private industry for Fort Bliss data center lease
Army officials say the goal is to support national defense interests related to AI.
They also say there would be no impact on taxpayers and that the arrangement would create revenue to improve quality of life for Fort Bliss families.
The proposed site is on 1,384 acres of unused Fort Bliss land near far East El Paso.
Today’s session is expected to include officials with the Army, Fort Bliss and Carlyle presenting an overview of the project.
The proposal has raised concerns from residents in Montana Vista and nearby neighborhoods.
RELATED: Montana Vista residents oppose proposed Fort Bliss data center
Major General Curtis Taylor, commander of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said in a statement, “We recognize that El Pasoans and members of the wider Borderplex Region have concerns about potential impacts to the community. We are holding this session to review what we know now about the conditional agreement and proposed data center project, and then we want to hear from you to help inform planning.”
Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, whose district includes Fort Bliss, hosted a town hall to discuss the upcoming meeting and said the lack of community involvement before the announcement is a concern.
“I found out about the data center that was being planned for Fort Bliss, long after the decision was made by the White House,” Escobar said.
“I think it’s very important these massive data centers being built in our community— the community has a say.”
The meeting is scheduled for later today from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel Conference Center, located at 2027 Airway Boulevard.
RELATED: Fort Bliss to host community listening session on proposed data center
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