Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday marked a major milestone in New York’s economic development strategy with the groundbreaking of Micron Technology’s first semiconductor fabrication facility in Clay, Onondaga County — officially launching what state leaders describe as the largest private investment in New York history.
The $100+ billion project, which includes plans for four semiconductor fabrication plants, is expected to become the largest semiconductor manufacturing complex in the United States. Once fully built, the campus will anchor a new advanced manufacturing hub in Central New York, generating tens of thousands of jobs directly and throughout the supply chain while strengthening domestic semiconductor production 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,” Governor 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.”
Micron Chairman, President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said the groundbreaking represents a pivotal step in reshoring critical technology manufacturing and supporting the fast-growing artificial intelligence economy.
“By breaking ground on Micron's New York megafab, we are taking another important step in creating a future where the most critical components of the AI economy are built on American soil,” Mehrotra said. “This $100 billion investment in Onondaga County will create 50,000 jobs in the state and help cement Central New York as a global leader in advanced manufacturing. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her steadfast partnership and vision for high-tech manufacturing here. We are excited to create the future together.”
Federal leaders credited the project to coordinated state and federal policy efforts, including the CHIPS & Science Act.
“Today is a historic day for Syracuse, Upstate NY, and for all of America,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “With the first shovels hitting the ground for Micron, the largest semiconductor manufacturing facility in U.S. history, we are ushering in the next chapter of Upstate NY’s future.”
Schumer added that the project marks a reversal of long-term job losses in the region and validates federal investment aimed at restoring U.S. manufacturing leadership.
State and local officials emphasized the project’s long-term impact on workforce development, housing, infrastructure, and education across Central New York.
“Today’s groundbreaking at Micron cements Upstate New York as a global leader in chip manufacturing,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. “As chip manufacturing continues to expand in Central New York and across Upstate, it is vital to invest in workforce training to ensure students are well-prepared to succeed in the semiconductor industry.”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon called the investment a generational opportunity.
“For years to come, Onondaga County will be known as an epicenter for advanced manufacturing and high-tech jobs,” McMahon said.
Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens said the project marks a turning point for the region’s economic future.
“Today’s groundbreaking is more than the start of construction, it’s the start of a new era for Syracuse and Central New York,” Owens said.
Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight highlighted New York’s preparation for large-scale semiconductor manufacturing.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has built the infrastructure, talent pipeline, and partnerships needed to support advanced semiconductor manufacturing at a global scale,” Knight said.
The New York Power Authority confirmed the project will be supported by low-cost power allocations, while the Department of Environmental Conservation emphasized continued oversight to protect natural resources.
“Today’s construction milestone is helping New York State realize Governor Hochul’s vision for sustainable economic growth,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
According to state estimates, Micron’s investment is expected to:
By the end of the decade, state officials project that one in four U.S.-made chips will be produced within 350 miles of Upstate New York.
Governor Hochul said the Micron project is central to New York’s broader strategy to establish the state as the nation’s leading semiconductor hub — spanning research, design, manufacturing, and workforce training — while ensuring economic growth benefits local communities for decades to come.
Originally reported by Governor Newyork Government.
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