The development is targeted to cater to solar, LCD, nanotechnology, aerospace and semiconductor companies. For now, the firms are concentrating on its solar investment, and the developers hope to make it a solar-technology destination with solar power plants.

Work is underway on the project's first phase, which is the installation of infrastructure, at a cost of $35 million. ING Clarion, part of the Netherlands-based ING Group, is funding the infrastructure costs and will provide build-to-suit lease for firms interested in locating at Silicon Border. Other plans include a university, training and research facilities, recreation areas and a clubhouse.

Ponway, CA-based Silicon Border Development was founded in 2001 to plan and see through the project. Its management is made up of high-tech, finance, real estate and IT professionals.