Community looks at Fort Bliss data center plan

El Paso, Texas, is holding a community listening session for residents to voice their concerns about a proposed commercial data center slated for construction on nearly 100 acres of unused land at Fort Bliss. The US Army has selected global investment firm Carlyle to develop and manage the facility, though the contract is not yet finalized. The project is generating alarm among residents, many of whom are already wary due to Meta's recent data center proposals in Northeast El Paso. The Army asserts the Fort Bliss facility will be entirely privately funded, create approximately 2,000 jobs, and attract billions in private investment without taxpayer cost, with lease revenues reinvested into quality-of-life improvements for soldiers. However, residents like Zayan, a vocal critic who has previously addressed the El Paso City Council regarding Meta's plans, question the sustainability of additional data centers in a desert region. Despite his background in technology, Zayan argues that El Paso simply lacks the necessary water and energy resources to support such massive facilities. Fort Bliss officials claim the facility will utilize its own power and water solutions to avoid burdening local infrastructure.