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The Clay Town Board is set to vote tonight (January 22) on whether to hold a public hearing regarding noise regulations for the construction of Micron Technology's chipmaking plants. Last year, the board attempted to exempt Micron from a noise ordinance, but it was discovered that the ordinance they aimed to amend did not exist. The board must now start the process over, with a public hearing tentatively scheduled for February 3.
Micron plans to build up to four semiconductor fabrication plants, or fabs, in Clay, which could employ up to 9,000 people and cost up to $100 billion. Construction is expected to begin later this year at the White Pine Commerce Park. The company could receive up to $20 billion in taxpayer subsidies for the first two fabs.
The board's previous attempt to change the noise ordinance was intended to mitigate construction noise issues. However, the incorrect legal reference meant the change was invalid. The new proposal, known as Local Law No. 1 of the Year 2025, aims to correct this oversight.
Micron's project is part of a larger plan to invest approximately $50 billion in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing by 2030, supported by grants from the CHIPS Act. The construction of these facilities is expected to create thousands of jobs and bolster U.S. economic and national security.
According to Syracuse.com, the board's vote tonight is a crucial step in moving the project forward.