New York Construction Report staff writer
In a move expected to reshape the landscape of semiconductor manufacturing and research in the United States, President Biden’s administration has designated Upstate New York as a National Workforce Hub.
The U.S. Dept. of Commerce has offered Micron Technology Inc. $6.1 billion in direct funding from a CHIPS and Science Act program to support construction of three semiconductor fabrication plants, officials announced April 25. One of the plants is already under construction.
Micron will expand its research and development facility in Boise, Idaho, with construction of a 600,000 sq.-ft. high-volume manufacturing sites and construct the first two facilities at a site in Clay, N.Y.
The White Pine Industrial Park in Onondaga County’s town of Clay will host Micron’s venture, creating an estimated 9,000 direct jobs and injecting $100 billion into the New York State economy. This investment is supported by a combination of federal incentives through the CHIPS and Science Act and New York State’s Green CHIPS program, emphasizing sustainability and community benefits.
The New York Power Authority leveraging low-cost hydropower and discounted market power to support the company’s historic investment. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer emphasized the historic nature of this federal investment and its potential to revitalize the Upstate New York economy, creating an estimated 50,000 jobs and positioning Central New York as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
“As the first Governor from Upstate New York in more than a century, I knew we needed to revitalize the Upstate economy and transform New York State into a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing and research,” said NY Governor Kathy Hochul. “The combination of federal funding and our Green CHIPS program is the formula for success.
“I spent months advocating for Micron to come to New York and this megafab will be a game changer, setting the stage for regional transformation.
“This is just the beginning of what we’ll accomplish together, but none of it would be possible without the partnership of President Biden, Commerce Secretary Raimondo, New York’s congressional delegation, the New York State Legislature and our local stakeholders.”
In addition to Micron’s investment, Governor Hochul’s administration has secured significant funding to bolster New York State’s semiconductor industry. The FY 2025 Enacted Budget includes a $500 million capital investment for NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, kickstarting a $10 billion partnership aimed at advancing research into next-generation chips. Furthermore, a $200 million investment will establish four ON-RAMP Advanced Manufacturing Training Centers across the state, including a flagship facility in Central New York, to prepare New Yorkers for the jobs of the future.
Micron has pledged funding for initiatives such as childcare support, community development, and workforce training programs. Governor Hochul has established the Micron Community Engagement Committee to guide the investment strategy and ensure that the local community benefits from Micron’s presence.
