THE FACTS

Clear Answers for Doña Ana County

Straightforward information about jobs, energy reliability, water use, and long-term local investment.

Separating speculation from facts about jobs, energy, water, and local investment in Doña Ana County.

Myth: “I'm not convinced that the jobs that they promised are going to happen.” Sen. Carrie Hamblen, Feb. 19, 2026 on KRWG Public Media

Fact: Project Jupiter will create more than 4,000+ construction jobs and up to 1,500+ jobs onsite or in the County once construction is complete. Full-time salaries will average $75k-$100k with benefits. The project will prioritize training, upskilling, and hiring of Doña Ana County residents

Myth: “I'm not convinced that electric rates for the residents in my county and in my district aren't going to go up.”Hamblen, Feb. 19, 2026 on KRWG Public Media

Fact: Electricity will be produced directly at the facility, rather than drawn from the public grid. On-site generation helps reduce demand, improve reliability, and preserve power for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Myth: “We have a community that has been desperate for clean water. The last thing we need to do is give up that opportunity for clean water to a business that doesn't even belong here and doesn't even, like they're not even based in New Mexico.” Sen. Carrie Hamblen, Feb. 19, 2026 on KRWG Public Media

Fact: Project Jupiter data centers will use a “closed loop” cooling system, which requires only a one-time fill-up and then is continuously recirculated, which keeps water usage to a minimum.

Myth: “I get why the county did it, but it's not gonna be off the backs of the people who live there and work there.” Sen. Carrie Hamblen, Feb. 19, 2026 on KRWG Public Media

Fact: With the Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) structure, Doña Ana County does not spend taxpayer money and does not take on debt. The developer funds the entire project. In return, Project Jupiter guarantees annual payments in lieu of taxes (PILTs) for 30 years, delivering steady funding for schools, public infrastructure, and essential services.

Myth: "The state in general is looking for opportunities of economic development. But what we are seeing nationwide is that AI centers are going into communities that have struggles that might be low-income, that might need resources and so they're looking at this as prime, prime property." Sen. Carrie Hamblen, Feb. 19, 2026 on KRWG Public Media

Fact: Project Jupiter is investing in Doña Ana’s future by strengthening local talent pipelines and opening pathways to long-term careers. As part of this commitment, Project Jupiter will:

Partner with Doña Ana Community College, NMSU and Doña Ana Public Schools to create hands-on training and career-focused curriculum.
Establish a local education fund to support local high schools, community college, and universities in preparing tomorrow’s workforce.
Prioritize local hiring and skill-building so that more residents can grow their careers right here in the community.

Myth: "It's disingenuous to the will and the wants of the people who actually live there." Sen. Carrie Hamblen, Feb. 19, 2026 on KRWG Public Media

Fact: Project Jupiter will invest up to $165 billion in Doña Ana County over the life of the project. The project will make $300 million in direct payments to the County over its lifetime. These payments will support schools, public services, and community needs.