Micron Technology plans to build a rail extension near its massive semiconductor campus in Clay, New York, a critical infrastructure step for the largest private investment in state history.
Micron plans to invest up to $100 billion over the next 20-plus years, creating nearly 50,000 jobs and featuring the nation’s largest clean room, which is around 2.4 million square feet.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office announced the release of an environmental impact statement last Wednesday, which included the rail extension concept.
The rail extension will enable direct shipment of construction materials and, eventually, finished semiconductor products, streamlining logistics for the multi-decade, $100 billion megaproject.
Direct rail access is expected to reduce truck traffic, lower transportation costs, and improve site efficiency for contractors and suppliers.
The company is acquiring land between Caughdenoy Road and the CSX rail line, just north of Freight Yard Brewing, to facilitate the new rail spur.
Micron said the Rail Spur Site would include “rail siding, rail yards, and an off-loading track and facility; the aggregate materials conveyance system;
an office building and trailer; a locomotive shed; paved access roads and a parking area; paved storage areas; a backup stockpile area; a stormwater management area; and lighting.”
A photo simulation of the rail project site is included in Micron’s roughly 20,000-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The NY Governor’s Office said the study results are from over two and a half years of research. Image: Micron
The move comes as Micron prepares for extensive site work, with construction of the megaproject expected to create “tens of thousands of construction jobs over the next 20 years to build the campus”, according to the Governor’s Office statement.
Micron recently released a 20,000-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), one of the most comprehensive analyses in New York’s history, detailing the regional impact of the project and planned infrastructure upgrades.
Public comment on the DEIS is open until August 11. Pending regulatory approvals, construction starts later this year.
A rendering of Micron’s “leading-edge memory megafab” plant planned for construction in Clay, NY. Micron plans to construct the largest semiconductor fabrication facility in U.S. history, spanning 1,400 acres in New York State. Image: Micron
The rail extension is part of broader infrastructure investments required to support the build and the anticipated population and economic growth in Central New York. Wastewater, gas, electric, and transportation are also expected to be part of the megaproject infrastructure requirements.
Contractors, suppliers, and logistics firms should expect and prepare for increased demand for rail-served material deliveries and opportunities related to construction. The project will require coordination with rail service and local authorities to ensure smooth integration with existing freight operations.
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