A Van Horn-based social media group is raising concerns over what it describes as a hidden plan to develop an artificial intelligence data center tied to a lease agreement involving public land at the Culberson County Airport industrial area.
In a series of social media posts, the group “Van Horn Strong” alleged that a 47-page airport lease agreement granted authority for a company identified as CCAV to begin “Data Center Construction” roughly a year into the contract, without additional approval from the public or the Van Horn Economic Development Corp.
The posts included an image of a document labeled “Exhibit E — Development Plans,” referencing “Data Center Construction (Start Month 12)” and language about establishing high-capacity data centers for technology and innovation.
The group characterized the proposed development as a “massive AI Data Center” on public land and criticized local officials for allegedly making decisions “behind closed doors” under nondisclosure agreements.
Van Horn Strong also questioned whether residents should have had an opportunity to vote on the matter and argued that local officials had framed the project as an economic development opportunity without sufficient public input.
The social media campaign cited polling it said showed broad opposition to artificial intelligence data centers near communities, citing concerns over water usage, energy demands and industrial development.
In one post, the group claimed the current Van Horn Economic Development Board would be replaced following action by the newly seated city council, alleging the incoming board could include individuals connected to the existing project.
Local officials had not publicly responded to the allegations as of publication, and it was not immediately clear what approvals, if any, would be required for a future data center project or whether construction plans had formally advanced.
The allegations come amid broader national debates over the rapid growth of AI-related infrastructure, including concerns about energy consumption, water resources and land use in rural communities.
