By Tiffany Williams –
CLAY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday celebrated the groundbreaking of Micron Technology’s first semiconductor fabrication facility in Clay, Onondaga County, the largest private investment in New York state history.
The project, which will eventually include four fabs, is expected to become the largest semiconductor facility in the United States and create a new advanced manufacturing hub in Central New York. State and local officials, Micron executives and community leaders attended the event.
The $100 billion-plus project is projected to create tens of thousands of jobs, both directly and through the broader supply chain, while strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capacity and national security.
“Micron breaking ground in Central New York marks the transition from promise to progress on one of the most significant economic development projects in our state’s history,” Hochul said. “More than just constructing a state-of-the-art chip fab and the nation’s largest clean room — we are building opportunity for generations of New Yorkers. This historic investment by Micron and my administration cements Central New York as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, creates tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. This project proves that when government and the private sector work together, we can bring critical industries back to the United States, support cutting-edge advanced manufacturing, rebuild the middle class, and put Upstate’s economy on a permanent upswing.”
Hochul noted that state agencies are working to ensure sustainable economic growth while protecting wetlands, water quality, air quality, endangered and threatened species, and other environmental priorities as the project progresses.
Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, called the start of construction “a major step in delivering on this historic investment.” She said the project will bring thousands of family-sustaining jobs, new business opportunities, and long-term economic growth driven by clean energy.
Kathy Moser, acting commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said her agency had worked with Hochul and the project team to help bring the project to life. “As the regional economy grows, we look forward to continuing to work to strengthen Central New York’s quality of life by expanding access to world-class parks, trails and outdoor recreation,” Moser said.
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley called the groundbreaking “proof positive that Governor Hochul is doing all the right things to make Central New York a model for the 21st century tech economy.” He said the Department of State will continue supporting economic development in Onondaga County through housing initiatives, downtown revitalization, and other quality-of-life improvements for residents and future Micron employees.