Four years after the CHIPS and Science Act became law, semiconductor projects tied to the legislation are advancing across Upstate New York, including Micron's planned $100 billion complex in Central New York and a $50 million microchip-switch facility in Tompkins County.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer said the projects are rebuilding domestic manufacturing, strengthening supply chains and creating pathways to tens of thousands of technology, construction and skilled-trades jobs. His office estimates that one in four U.S.-made chips will be produced within 350 miles of Upstate New York's semiconductor corridor by the end of the decade.
Major manufacturing projects move forward
Micron has broken ground and poured concrete for the first fabrication plant in its Central New York complex. The project is supported by a $6.1 billion direct federal award and semiconductor investment tax credits.
In the Capital Region, GlobalFoundries has received more than $2 billion in federal CHIPS funding. Albany NanoTech is also receiving $1 billion in federal research funding, paired with a $1 billion IBM investment, for a next-generation quantum wafer fabrication facility.
Edwards Vacuum is nearing completion of a more than $300 million dry-pump manufacturing plant in Western New York with $18 million in federal support. TTM Technologies opened an advanced printed-circuit-board facility in Onondaga County backed by $30 million in federal funding and expected to create 400 jobs.
Menlo Micro plans a $50 million microchip-switch plant in Tompkins County with 100 jobs. In the North Country, Corning finalized a $32 million federal agreement supporting a $315 million expansion of specialized-glass production.
Regional network links Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo
The Syracuse-Rochester-Buffalo region received a federal Tech Hub designation and $40 million for semiconductor workforce training, commercialization and supply-chain projects. Schumer's office said $2.1 million has been awarded through the NY SMART I-Corridor to help hundreds of companies enter or expand within semiconductor supply chains.
The University of Rochester-led STELLAR Engine was selected in July for a $15 million National Science Foundation award aimed at expanding laser technology across Rochester and the Finger Lakes.
Binghamton University's New Energy New York initiative was also selected for the second phase of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, bringing as much as $45 million over three years to its battery-technology hub. That work follows a 2023 Tech Hub designation and more than $113 million in public investment announced in 2022.
Workforce programs prepare for construction and production
UA Local 81 estimates roughly 2,000 plumbers and steamfitters will be needed on the Micron site each day during the project's five-year construction period. IBEW Local 43 has invested $7 million to expand its training center and apprenticeship pipeline.
In Tompkins County, Ithaca Area Economic Development's Tompkins Build program connects residents with registered apprenticeships through 10 participating unions.
Binghamton University is using $1 million in federal funding for a microelectronics-packaging cleanroom expected to train more than 100 students annually.
Schumer said the investments are intended to reverse decades of manufacturing losses and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign semiconductor supply chains while creating long-term jobs across Upstate New York.
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