LAS CRUCES, N.M. —

Officials in Doña Ana County have approved financing for a $165 billion AI data center, known as Project Jupiter, near the U.S.-Mexico border in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, amid mixed reactions from residents.

The purpose of the data campus, spearheaded by Austin-based Borderplex Digital Assets, is AI training. Supporters said it would create thousands of temporary and permanent jobs, boosting Southern New Mexico's economy. According to a county presentation, the project will bring 800 permanent jobs and 2,500 construction jobs over three years.

Administrators, IT workers and technicians are expected to earn between $75,000 and $100,000 annually. It will be funded by industrial revenue bonds, repaying $165 billion to the county over 30 years.

However, opponents raised

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