Photo: HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP / Getty Images
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Micron Technology's plans to build a semiconductor complex in Clay are progressing as expected. During his visit to Syracuse on Monday (April 21), Schumer stated that if the environmental review process proceeds smoothly, groundbreaking for the project could take place in November.
Concerns arose when President Donald Trump expressed his desire to end the CHIPS Act, which provides crucial funding for Micron. However, Schumer remains optimistic about the project's future, emphasizing the potential for Micron to attract other businesses to the area, enhancing the supply chain and boosting local economic development.
The environmental review process has been a point of contention, as Onondaga County has withheld the release of Micron's environmental impact report, a move that some experts argue violates New York’s open government law. The county plans to release the report in early June, allowing only 45 days for public review and comment. Legal experts and community groups have called for a longer review period to ensure thorough public engagement.
Despite these challenges, Schumer is confident in the project's progress, highlighting the interest from companies eager to be near what is expected to become the largest memory chip plant in the country. Micron's plans include building up to four semiconductor fabrication plants over the next 20 years, potentially employing 9,000 workers in the region.