New York Construction Report staff writer
President Joe Biden visited Syracuse on Oct. 27 to celebrate the federal Micron Technologies plan to bring a megafab plant and a $100 billion investment to Central New York.
“We are honored to host President Biden and many prominent leaders today in Central New York, the future site of Micron’s new leading-edge megafab that will fuel U.S. innovation for years to come,” said Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra. “To secure U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, cultivate American innovation and ensure economic and national security, it is imperative we come together to build and transform a workforce for the future.
“Our commitments through the Community Investment Framework represent the first foundational steps toward Central New York’s transformation.”
Micron has signed a project labor agreement with local trade unions, outlining the use of the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment and its “Helmets to Hardhats” program. It also requires contractors to donate one cent per hour for each craft hour worked on the project to the Pathways for Apprenticeship program, part of Syracuse Build, to promote representation of minorities and women in the project workforce.
“On behalf of the Central-Northern New York Building & Construction Trades Council, I’m happy to welcome Micron to New York. Micron’s workforce development programs will harness the skills and hardworking nature of New Yorkers, especially those from underserved communities who may not have seen traditional career paths in their futures,” said Greg Lancette, New York State Pipe Trades Association President. “The Project Labor Agreement between Micron and our local trade unions will support the representation of minorities, veterans and women in the project workforce while ensuring stability and cooperation with the talented union labor of our region throughout the project.
“From developing apprenticeship programs to intentionally selecting contractors, Micron is demonstrating its commitment to our community and the incredible potential of our workforce.”
Thirty per cent of the project’s eligible construction spend will be awarded to companies owned by individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities, with priority given to New York State Certified Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprises and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses. The company will encourage construction contractors and subcontractors to use Syracuse Build as a first-source model to identify candidates for hiring from disadvantaged populations.
“Micron’s unprecedented $100 billion investment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Central New York that will fundamentally transform the region, create tens of thousands of good-paying manufacturing and union construction jobs, strengthen our national security, and breathe new life into America’s legacy as a leader in innovation,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
