The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners created an independent, citizen‑led monitoring committee to oversee the massive Project Jupiter data‑center development in the Santa Teresa area. The committee’s second business meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Sunland Park Sports Complex, 4700 McNutt Road.
Meeting agenda focuses on water‑usage transparency
Committee members are expected to complete their bylaws, firm up plans for a public information session on water usage, and identify topics and experts for a follow‑up session. The first information meeting will address community questions about the water resources required to operate the data center, a concern that has been voiced repeatedly by local residents.
Open to the public, with fuel‑expense reimbursement under review
The Nov. 21 meeting is open to anyone who wishes to attend, though the county’s announcement did not specify whether public comment will be allowed. In addition to agenda items, the committee will consider a proposal to reimburse members for fuel expenses incurred while traveling to meetings.
Committee composition and oversight role
The 11‑member Community Monitoring Committee represents all five Doña Ana County commission districts, with two representatives from each district and an additional seat for District 2, where Project Jupiter is located. Members serve voluntarily and were required to disclose any financial interests, employment relationships, or affiliations with entities connected to the project, whether supportive or opposed.
Established in August by the Board of County Commissioners, the committee is authorized to develop its own bylaws, elect officers and organize information forums that address community concerns about water, air, noise, pollution and other environmental impacts of the development.
Previous meeting set groundwork
The committee held its inaugural business meeting on Oct. 31 at the Doña Ana County Government Center, where members began drafting governing procedures and identified subjects for future information sessions.
For additional details about the committee’s work and Project Jupiter, residents can visit the Doña Ana County Project Jupiter webpage.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
