SYRACUSE N.Y. (NCC News) — More than 50,000 jobs will soon be opening for Central New Yorkers, Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer said. As part of the Federal CHIPS and Science Act New York has attracted Micron, the fourth largest maker of semiconductors in the world, to Onondaga County.
A new plant built in Clay will be powered by $100 billion of investment over 20 years Schumer said. It’s the largest private investment in New York State history according to Schumer who compared the project to the Erie Canal.
“This plant will be the most advanced memory chip manufacturer in America and probably the world, all here in Central New York,” Schumer said.
Schumer spoke about the plant as a way for a hurting Central New York to rebound with new high paying jobs.
“To the innovators and job creators and workers that witnessed the slow erosion of semiconductor manufacturing moving overseas we will bring these jobs back to our shores and end our dependence on foreign made chips,” Schumer said.
Micron has promised 9,000 jobs in its factory with an average salary of more than $100,000, nearly double the average of Central New York. The initial investment and building of the plant will create an additional 40,000 community jobs Schumer said. The building itself will house the nation’s largest clean room space at approximately 2.4 million square feet.
Other groups will also take advantage of the new opportunities. Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud spoke about his excitement at the possibility of the University working with Micron.
“A lot of people around here have been wondering what could possibly feel better in mid-October than having an undefeated ACC football team and today we all know,” Syverud said. “I’ve never been more optimistic and confident about the future of this region than I am today.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of Micron’s commitment to New York State’s Green CHIPS Act. For this partnership Micron will draw its electricity from 100% renewable sources.
“We find that because Micron’s goals and values as a company aligned so closely with New York’s they were fully on board with our Green CHIPS [Act]. We knew they would make commitments to our environment and sustainability,” Hochul said.
Micron is also planning a half-billion-dollar community investment to ensure the project benefits New Yorkers.
