EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Meta, the company behind Facebook, has announced plans to establish a cutting-edge artificial intelligence center in El Paso.

The decision to develop this massive facility, which spans nearly 1.2 million square feet, was revealed at a press conference organized by Borderplex Alliance on Wednesday morning.

The project will see an investment of $1.5 billion, creating over 1,800 construction jobs at the peak of development and providing 100 permanent operational roles once the facility is up and running.

Borderplex Alliance highlighted that this center will be integral to supporting Meta’s growing AI technology initiatives and its portfolio of global applications.

Governor Greg Abbott expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This marks an extraordinary milestone for El Paso and Texas at large. Our state remains a hub of innovation, and Meta’s substantial investment of $1.5 billion underscores Texas’s leadership in AI and technology. This venture will not only generate well-paying jobs but also bolster our standing in the global tech landscape. With collaborations like these with Meta and Borderplex Alliance, we are poised to lead in innovation and economic growth for the foreseeable future.”

Meta highlighted several key factors in its decision-making process, including the availability of a strong workforce, robust energy resources, and the region’s business-friendly environment.

“We are excited to bring our next-generation, AI-optimized data center to El Paso,” said Brad Davis, Director of Data Center Community & Economic Development at Meta. “El Paso embodies innovation, talent, and opportunity. The support we’ve received from the local community has been outstanding, and we’re eager to continue building on this partnership for years to come.”

Local leaders expressed excitement over this investment will bring to the community.

“El Paso County’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and economic opportunity is further solidified by Meta’s historic investment,” said El Paso County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego. “This project will not only create hundreds of jobs but will also support our local infrastructure and create sustainable growth for years to come. I am thankful to the Borderplex Alliance for their leadership in making this project a reality.”

El Paso’s city leaders are also celebrating the groundbreaking project. “El Paso is proud to be the home for Meta’s new data center,” said El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson. “This represents a monumental opportunity for our community, bringing high-quality jobs and lasting economic benefits. Attracting major employers like Meta is a top priority of my administration, and we are grateful for the collaborative effort that made this investment possible.”

The city of El Paso gave the tech company incentives in 2023 to build in the Borderland.

“The incentives amount to 80% of the City’s portion of property tax revenue generated by the project over a 25-year period per phase, up to five phases, where each phase represents an $800M investment,” stated a project proposal the city presented two years ago.

Meta is also the parent company for Instagram and WhatsApp.