US Army announces agreement with private industry for Fort Bliss data center lease

The U.S. Army has conditionally selected Global Investment Firm Carlyle to build and operate a commercial data center on underutilized land at Fort Bliss, a project the Army said would come at no projected cost to taxpayers and could bring thousands of jobs and billions in private investment to the El Paso region. The Army said the project advances its strategic imperative to build artificial intelligence capability quickly “to outpace our adversaries.” Under the Army’s Enhanced Use Lease program, the lease would finance, construct, operate and decommission the facility entirely through private capital. The Army said the arrangement would generate revenue that can be invested in critical quality-of-life improvements for soldiers and families at Fort Bliss. The project is projected to bring an estimated 2,000 jobs and billions of dollars in private investment to the El Paso region, according to the Army. The proposed facility is designed with power and water solutions intended to minimize the impact on local infrastructure and resources. "Fort Bliss has been part of El Paso since 1848,” said Lt. Col. Jessica Rovero, a spokesperson for the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss. “This project reflects that history – contributing to national security while honoring our commitment to this community." The Army said the lease terms remain subject to final negotiations led by the Department of the Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with an evaluation team composed of Fort Bliss installation leadership. “As the project progresses, we will provide updates to keep the community informed,” Rovero said. “Our service members, families, and civilians live here, and we have a vested interest in how this project will impact our community.” STORY:https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/us-army-announces-agreement-with-private-industry-for-fort-bliss-data-center-lease # Hit the subscribe button to stay up-to-date on the latest news, and turn on the notifications to get alerted when the big stories break as we bring them to you live! For all the full stories seen here, go to KFOXTV.com. Follow KFOX14 on our other social media pages for more photos, videos and reports: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KFOXTV Twitter: https://twitter.com/KFOX14 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kfox14news/ If you see something newsworthy happen, or you just witness something incredible, hilarious or adorable, you can send your videos, photos and news tips to KFOXTV.com/chimein. We love sharing our favorites on KFOXTV.com, our social media and our broadcasts! You can also email a news tips, or call our newsroom. Email: elpaso-assignmentsdesk@sbgtv.com Call the Newsroom: 915-845-5369 _______________ KFOX14 is an El Paso-based station and a FOX Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates programs or provides sales services to nearly 200 television stations in 86 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches close to 40% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates.