The reopening of ASARCO is a very controversial and divisive topic in El Paso.
The per capita income as of 2005 was $14, 488 and that weighs heavily on the economic reality of the city. Those who want ASARCO to re-open claim that it will bring 2,264 new jobs (Montoya 1) to the state of Texas and 1,819 new jobs to El Paso (Montoya 1); with wages totaling $73 million for El Paso workers and $11 million for the workers in Amarillo (Montoya 1). The company claims that its re-opening will mean a great deal for the entire state of Texas; in that every job that ASARCO creates will produce an additional 6.75 new jobs throughout the state. (Montoya 1) It also claims that it will attract affiliated smaller companies that will add to the economic boom; making El Paso a “model” for other cities. Many El Pasoans are in favor of ASARCO re-opening. They want to see more jobs and consider ASARCO a part of our history. Many of its supporters say that it is now environmentally friendly.