The Port of Oswego is set to become home to the Great Lakes’ first waterside, climate-controlled warehouse, thanks to $11.25 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. The project will modernize port operations and provide vital infrastructure for Upstate New York’s rapidly growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
Funded through the Port Infrastructure Development Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, the warehouse will replace the port’s aging 1980s facility, which has suffered significant structural damage over the years. The new 22,500-square-foot, steel-framed structure will support the storage of temperature- and humidity-sensitive materials, including chemicals and gases critical for semiconductor production.
“The Port of Oswego is a major gateway for industry across Upstate New York, and this investment ensures it will remain a cornerstone of economic growth,” Schumer said. “This $11 million funding from our infrastructure law will create the Great Lakes’ first climate-controlled warehouse, supporting booming industries like chips, manufacturing, and renewable energy, while bringing more business and good-paying jobs to Central New York.”
Gillibrand echoed Schumer’s enthusiasm, noting the project’s economic impact. “Strong port infrastructure is crucial for seamless transport of commodities that fuel New York’s economy,” she said. “This funding will modernize the Port of Oswego, ensuring it can support industries driving our future.”
The warehouse will serve industries like semiconductor manufacturing—bolstered by Micron’s $100 billion investment in nearby Onondaga County—renewable energy, and hydrogen production. Equipped with climate-controlled storage ranging from just above freezing to 70°F, the facility will address a critical gap in Great Lakes port infrastructure, enabling efficient handling of goods and materials that require precise conditions.
The project will also enhance port security with the construction of a modernized guard house and generate eight new full-time jobs, adding to the thousands of jobs expected from Micron’s expansion and other regional developments.
Port of Oswego Executive Director Bill Scriber lauded the funding as “transformative.” He emphasized the warehouse’s immediate utility for current and future clients, saying, “This facility will not only meet the demands of our existing customers but will attract new business, strengthening the economy of Oswego County and the entire region.”
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