From Albany to Syracuse, New York leaders are celebrating the news that a preliminary agreement has been reached to award Micron $6.1 billion from the federal CHIPS and Science Act.Â
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the funding Wednesday. If it's finalized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the grant would support Micron's investment in central New York and at its headquarters in Idaho.Â
Here is what elected officials in New York are saying about the award:Â
Schumer
In five terms as one of New York's U.S. senators, attracting Micron to the Syracuse area will be one of Schumer's major achievements. He played a pivotal role in ushering the CHIPS and Science Act through Congress and making it possible for Micron to choose central New York for a domestic semiconductor manufacturing facility.Â
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Schumer, D-N.Y., explained in a statement that the $6.1 billion would be used to fund Micron's projects in Idaho and New York. The New York share of the funding would support the construction of the first two chip fabs. Micron is planning to build four chip fabs in Onondaga County.Â
"This is one of the largest single-direct federal investments in central New York's history," Schumer said. "A whopping $6.1 billion from my CHIPS and Science law is coming to ensure Micron builds its cutting-edge chip-manufacturing fabs right here in both central New York and Idaho.Â
"This is a landmark day for New York and for America, which will manufacture the advanced memory chips that power the world's economy to secure its economic primacy and national security."Â
Gov. Kathy Hochul
Hochul, who was involved in the effort to bring Micron to New York, believes the company's plans for central New York chip fabs will revitalize the upstate economy.Â
"New federal funding from President Biden's CHIPS and Science Act will help lock in 50,000 jobs, a $100 billion investment and millions of dollars in community benefits, along with aid from the Green CHIPS Act we passed here in New York," Hochul said.Â
Hochul signed the Green CHIPS legislation, which is similar to the federal CHIPS and Science Act. Through the state program, Micron will receive $5.5 billion in incentives.Â
U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams
Williams, R-Sennett, wasn't always a fan of the CHIPS and Science Act, but he has advocated for the project since being elected to represent central New York in Congress in 2022.Â
Last year, he traveled to Micron's headquarters in Idaho. As a member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, he participated in hearings with some of Biden's Cabinet secretaries. His office notes that he has been communicating with local leaders, namely Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, about the project.Â
Early in his term, Williams met with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra. Williams reiterated his support for the project after that meeting.Â
Williams released a statement Wednesday night applauding the Biden administration's decision to award $6.1 billion for the Micron project.Â
"Here we go! Now we just need the permits to start shoveling and building our future," Williams said. "After countless meetings, hearings, inquiries and advocacy, we're getting things moving for NY-22."Â
State Sen. John Mannion
Mannion, D-Geddes, was one of the leading supporters of the Green CHIPS bill at the state level. Between the federal CHIPS and Science Act and the state legislation, Micron will receive billions in incentives to build the massive semiconductor manufacturing facility in Onondaga County.Â
In a statement, Mannion said the federal government's commitment is an investment in Micron and the people of central New York.Â
"As the prime cosponsor of New York's Green CHIPS bill — I have fought for this project alongside partners at all levels of government since day one," he continued. "I am very grateful for the leadership of Senator Chuck Schumer who continues to be a champion for advanced manufacturing and computer chip research and development across upstate New York."Â
Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.