Governor Kathy Hochul announced progress on Micron’s planned $100 billion investment in Central New York, following the New York State Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval of key infrastructure to support the semiconductor manufacturing project. The PSC adopted a joint proposal for National Grid to construct a two-mile, 345-kilovolt underground transmission line connecting an existing substation to Micron’s proposed fabrication facilities in the Town of Clay, Onondaga County. The commission also approved National Grid’s environmental management and construction plan for the initial phase, which includes expanding the Clay substation and installing equipment to serve the Micron campus.
Governor Hochul stated, “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 decision also covers how public complaints will be handled, environmental protection measures for waterbodies and wildlife, scheduling of construction activities, and plans for cleanup and restoration after construction. These approvals are part of the ongoing partnership between Micron and New York State, which began in October 2022 when Micron selected Central New York for its semiconductor “megafab.” Under the state’s Green CHIPS incentive program, Micron has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing water restoration and recycling efforts.
Earlier this year, the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency and the U.S. Department of Commerce released a draft environmental impact statement for the Micron project. The document, totaling about 20,000 pages, is one of the most comprehensive reviews for any project in New York State and details the anticipated economic and environmental effects of Micron’s investment. The project is expected to create over 50,000 jobs over more than two decades and will include what is projected to be the largest clean room space in the country at approximately 2.4 million square feet.
PSC Chair Rory M. Christian said, “For a project as large and transformational as Micron’s, every government agency involved must play its part to ensure its success. We are pleased that for our part, no party opposed the transmission or infrastructure application or the terms of the joint proposal, and the certificate conditions are adequate to protect the public interest and to ensure potential significant negative impacts of the project are avoided or minimized.”
Micron’s $100 billion investment marks the largest private investment in New York history. By 2030, one in four U.S.-made chips could be produced in Upstate New York.
The economic impact includes 9,000 new on-site jobs at various education levels; more than 50,000 permanent regional jobs over three decades; tens of thousands of construction jobs during campus development; an increase in regional economic output from $9.5 billion annually starting in 2027 to $16 billion by 2041; additional disposable income for residents; and nearly $20 billion in new revenue for state and local governments over 30 years.
Governor Hochul and Micron have launched several initiatives aimed at ensuring local communities benefit from this investment. These include a $500 million Community Investment Fund for inclusive growth and workforce development; a $15 million cleanroom simulation lab at Onondaga Community College; and the opening of Syracuse STEAM School, Central New York’s first regional technical high school.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the joint proposal reflects an agreement that is protective of the State’s vital natural resources while advancing Micron’s transformational economic investment in Central New York. DEC is proud to work with our local, state and federal partners to collaborate on the responsible review of environmental impacts to ensure that our natural resources and surrounding communities are protected as we advance sustainable economic development.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President Doreen M. Harris commented on progress toward job creation and long-term growth: “The approval of Micron’s electric substation connection represents major progress in turning this historic investment opportunity into reality. Reaching this critical juncture in its project development brings us closer to realizing the thousands of good-paying jobs, new business opportunities, and long-term economic growth that this project will bring to communities in Central New York and beyond.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight added: “Micron’s historic investment in New York is more than a milestone in advanced manufacturing—it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity for New Yorkers. From good-paying jobs to new training and career pathways, this project is building a stronger, more innovative economy for our state. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is leading the way in semiconductor manufacturing and ensuring that the benefits of this growth reach communities across every region.”
Micron Executive Vice President Manish Bhatia said: “This approval by the New York State Public Service Commission is another step forward in our journey to bring Micron’s investments to Central New York, and will help enable us to build leading-edge, high-volume memory manufacturing here. Micron supports an all-of-the-above energy approach, and improving electric power transmission is vital to ensuring America’s AI technology leadership, manufacturing renaissance, and the future of the American economy. We are grateful for the strong collaboration with Governor Hochul and other state and local partners. Together, we’re powering the future of domestic semiconductor manufacturing.”
State Senator Rachel May noted: “We have a significant opportunity in Central New York, driven by the Micron project, and we must be ready for it. To do so, our power infrastructure has to supply electricity to the large Micron fabs. The New York State Public Service Commission took an important step toward this goal by approving an electrical and construction plan. Thanks to Governor Hochul and the PSC for continuing to support this project and ensuring its success.”
State Senator Christopher J. Ryan highlighted recent developments: “Over the past few weeks, Micron has begun to establish their presence in Central New York. From opening their new office in Downtown Syracuse, to the Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab at Onondaga Community College, Micron’s impact is already being felt. The PSC’s approval of National Grid’s electric substation brings us another step closer to the thousands of good-paying, union construction jobs and long-term careers that will anchor families here for generations. I want to thank Governor Hochul, the Public Service Commission, National Grid, our federal, state and local elected leaders, and our partners in labor for their collaboration and commitment to keeping this project on track. Together, we’re ensuring Central New York leads the way in building America’s semiconductor manufacturing future.”
Assemblymember William Magnarelli said: “We are happy that Governor Hochul, Micron, National Grid, and the PSC have joined in a proposal to construct a necessary transmission line to the proposed Micron Campus. This is another step in bringing Micron and thousands of jobs to our area. I commend the Governor and her team.”
Assemblymember Al Stirpe stated: “With the green light secured for the two-mile service transmission line to power Micron’s facilities, we are one step closer in turning this multi-phase project into reality. Thanks to this historic example of public-private collaboration, Micron has the infrastructure it needs to lay its foundation and power a transformative period of economic growth through the region. Aside from its monumental investment, Micron’s presence in Central New York promises thousands of high-paying jobs, indispensable workforce development initiatives, and an improved quality of life for residents with its Community Investment Fund. By merging community revitalization with economic development, Micron’s momentum in Central New York will continue to expand across the state for years to come.”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said: “Micron’s continued progress marks a transformative moment for Central New York. This project is more than an economic investment, it’s a commitment to our community’s future. I’m focused on ensuring that the opportunities Micron brings are accessible to the people who already call this community home. With good-paying jobs, opportunities for veterans and small businesses, and historic investments in infrastructure and sustainability, Micron is helping build a stronger, more resilient Central New York for generations to come.”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon commented: “One of the main reasons Micron chose Onondaga County was access to abundant and reliable power. Now with approvals from the PSC, today marks yet another important step forward as Micron prepares to make the largest private sector investment in the history of our country and make Onondaga County and Central New York the hub for semiconductor manufacturing in North America.”
Governor Hochul has made semiconductor industry growth a priority since taking office by securing capital investments such as $500 million for NY CREATES’ Albany Nanotech Complex—part of a $1 billion state commitment aimed at launching a $10 billion partnership with industry leaders including IBM, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and others.
As part of her FY 2026 Budget plan, Governor Hochul secured $100 million more for FAST NY—a program launched in December 2022 that has allocated over $175 million across more than 2,500 acres at 20 sites statewide to prepare land for business development.
Semiconductors are essential components for modern electronics across industries including manufacturing and agriculture. The sector directly employs over 300,000 people nationwide and supports another 1.8 million jobs indirectly.
New York currently hosts 156 semiconductor-related companies employing more than 34,000 residents statewide.
