EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A community roundtable on Meta\u2019s planned $10 billion data center in Northeast El Paso drew both supporters touting jobs and economic growth and nearby residents pressing for clearer answers about water use, power demand and other potential impacts.<\/p>\n
The discussion took place Thursday and was organized by City Rep. Cynthia Boyar Trejo. Meta representatives, city leaders, utilities, and community members attended.<\/p>\n
Boyar Trejo said the goal was to bring community concerns directly to the table. \u201cThe idea for this round table is to have a discussion on the many concerns of our community regarding the meta center coming up in Northeast and you know having a a view or a perspective at the table,\u201d Boyar Trejo said.<\/p>\n
Jordan Salas reports on Meta data center roundtable draws supporters, residents with concerns in Northeast El Paso (Credit:KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso Rep. Boyar Trejo faces recall petition after vote on Meta data center incentives<\/a><\/p>\n Supporters pointed to what they described as an economic boost already tied to the project. Eddie Trivizo of IBEW Local 960 said the work has increased union membership and created jobs. \u201cThis has brought like an economic boost to us. You know, we\u2019ve doubled in membership. A lot of middle class paying jobs. So there is good to come with this,\u201d Trivizo said.<\/p>\n But residents and community advocates raised concerns about water use, power demand, air quality, noise, lighting and truck traffic. Cynthia Crouse, a neighborhood association leader, said many residents felt left out of the process.<\/p>\n \u201cI was not told by anybody at any time when I bought my home that a data center was going to be built nearby. So today I\u2019m at the table because I\u2019m speaking on behalf of the residents within my community. We have a lot of concerns,\u201d Crouse said.<\/p>\n Meta representatives said the company wants to be a good community partner and will follow federal, state and local regulations. Meta also pointed to a commitment to restore 200% of the water it uses through local watershed projects, with progress reported annually and verified by a third party.<\/p>\n El Paso Water CEO John Balliew was asked what safeguards are in place for Meta\u2019s projected water use, described as about 400,000 to 500,000 gallons a day on average, with a maximum limit of 2.5 million gallons a day at full buildout. Balliew said water planning must account for drought conditions.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether this was a residential neighborhood or data center or whatever, we still have to have the water supply in the case of drought. The pure water center that is our our drought solution,\u201d Balliew said.<\/p>\n