Lewis County prepares for possible chip plant near Marcy

Lewis County officials are beginning to prepare for possible effects from a proposed computer chip plant near Marcy in Oneida County, including potential job growth, new residents and supplier businesses reaching the North Country.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente has described the project as a potential $45 billion investment that could bring about 5,000 jobs and community investments. The company that would build the plant has not been named, and Picente has said there is no deal to announce yet. He has said approvals and permits from state and federal governments are being pursued.

Lewis County Manager Tim Hunt said the county expects three possible areas of impact: people moving into the area for work, new employment opportunities for local residents, and businesses that could supply the plant. Port Leyden, in Lewis County, is about a 40-minute drive from Marcy.

The Marcy site has previously been described in New York state announcements as a potential $45 billion investment with 5,000 direct jobs. Wolfspeed operates a silicon-carbide factory at the site and has a conditional federal loan commitment of up to $1.5 billion that has not been finalized.

Solidigm, a unit of SK Hynix, has said it is considering memory-fabrication options at several locations worldwide, including in the United States, but that no decision has been made. Mohawk Valley EDGE, which develops the Marcy Nanocenter site, has a policy of not commenting on potential project discussions. The governor’s office also has not commented on specific discussions.

Any large project in Marcy could affect communities across Lewis County and other parts of Northern New York through employment, housing demand and possible supplier opportunities. Lewis County officials plan to contact the company once its identity is made public.

Picente has said he will make an announcement if a deal is reached. Residents seeking information from Lewis County can contact the County Manager’s Office at 315-376-5354 or the county’s main line at 315-377-2000.