Micron’s planned investment of up to $100 billion in Central New York reached a new stage as the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved key infrastructure measures to support the project. The PSC adopted a joint proposal related to National Grid’s request to build a two-mile, 345-kilovolt underground transmission line between an existing substation and Micron’s proposed fabrication facility in the Town of Clay, Onondaga County. The Commission also approved National Grid’s environmental management and construction plan for the first phase, which includes expanding the Clay substation and installing equipment connecting it to Micron’s campus.
Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the development, stating, “We’re working hard to shape the upstate economy into an economic powerhouse. Today’s decision by the PSC marks a major milestone for the development of the Micron project in upstate New York. This project is set to transform Central New York — and we’re moving quickly ahead with all due speed and deliberation.”
The PSC’s approval also covers plans for handling public complaints, addressing environmental issues such as waterbody and wildlife protection, scheduling construction activities, minimizing disruptions, and detailing cleanup and restoration efforts after construction.
This decision marks another step in the ongoing partnership between Micron and New York State, which began in October 2022 when Micron selected Central New York as the site for its semiconductor megafab. The facility is expected to create over 50,000 jobs, including 9,000 positions at Micron and thousands of construction jobs. The project will feature the nation’s largest clean room space, totaling about 2.4 million square feet.
The initiative is part of Governor Hochul’s Green CHIPS incentive program, under which Micron has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing water restoration, reuse, and recycling, and targeting carbon-free energy use.
Earlier in the year, the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency and the U.S. Department of Commerce released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Micron’s project. The nearly 20,000-page document was prepared jointly by local, state, federal agencies, and Micron, providing a comprehensive analysis as required by state and federal environmental review laws. The analysis reflects the scale and anticipated impact of Micron’s investment on the region.
Local hiring for the project has begun, with an emphasis on employing veterans and small businesses.
