Photo: koiguo / Moment / Getty Images
The Onondaga County Legislature in Syracuse is set to vote today on a significant $549 million sewer improvement plan for the town of Clay. This initiative aims to prepare the community for anticipated population growth due to Micron Technology's new chipmaking complex at the White Pine Commerce Park. The plan involves upgrading the Oak Orchard wastewater treatment plant to process 15 million gallons of sewage per day, up from its current capacity of 10 million gallons.
A public meeting is scheduled for 10:25 a.m. in the Legislative Chambers before the vote. The project has stirred debate among lawmakers, with some expressing concerns over the potential increase in sewer rates for county residents. The county's Water Environment Protection department estimates that the project could add nearly $48 million to annual expenses, potentially raising household sewer charges by about $115 over five years. However, County Executive Ryan McMahon has been cautious about predicting exact rate increases, citing variables such as interest rates and new customer additions.
The legislature's Ways and Means Committee recently showed a split vote on the project, indicating possible demands for more information from McMahon before final approval. If the legislature approves the plan, construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and conclude by 2031. Meanwhile, work at the Micron site is likely to commence in the coming weeks, following the county's final approval for the chipmaking complex in November. This project is projected to create thousands of jobs and significantly boost the region's economy.