EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is set to establish a new artificial intelligence hub in El Paso.

The plans for this nearly 1.2 million-square-foot center in northeast El Paso were unveiled during a Wednesday morning press event organized by Borderplex Alliance.

The project is anticipated to involve an investment of $1.5 billion, creating over 1,800 construction jobs during the peak building phase, and providing 100 operational roles upon completion.

As per Borderplex Alliance, this facility will be pivotal in advancing Meta’s AI initiatives and supporting its array of global applications.

Governor Greg Abbott expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This marks a significant milestone for El Paso and the state of Texas. Our state remains a hub of innovation, and Meta’s substantial $1.5 billion commitment underscores Texas’ leadership in AI and tech. The project will deliver high-paying jobs and bolster Texas’ standing in the global tech arena. With partners like Meta and the Borderplex Alliance, we’re poised to continue fostering innovation and economic growth.”

Meta pointed out several important factors influencing its decision, including the area’s skilled workforce, reliable energy resources, and the region’s supportive business climate.

“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.