I
n a strategic move to capitalize on the economic boom triggered by Micron Technology's planned semiconductor plant, Onondaga County is aggressively acquiring land for its White Pine Science & Technology Park. The county has voted to purchase six properties, totaling 99 acres, directly across from where Micron will break ground later this year. This acquisition brings the total land assembled for the park to nearly 200 acres.

    The semiconductor fab project, set to create 9,000 jobs over two decades, is expected to generate an additional 40,000 positions at supply chain and related companies that will be drawn to the area. County Executive Ryan McMahon aims to attract these businesses by providing a prime location for them to establish their operations.

    The properties acquired include three parcels of vacant farmland along Stearns Road and three homes on Caughdenoy Road and Route 31. The county has not disclosed the purchase price, but it will be made public once the sales are finalized. This is the second round of land purchases for the supply chain park, following a $2.1 million acquisition two years ago.

    The development agency has already committed or obligated $45 million to fund site acquisitions and infrastructure improvements in support of the Micron project and the nearby business park. To further accelerate this effort, the agency is seeking a $27 million loan from the county to continue purchasing land and recruiting semiconductor-related companies.

    As part of McMahon's broader initiative to attract high-tech businesses, the county is also eyeing a 500-acre parcel in Van Buren that has been held by the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency for decades. This site could potentially become a hub for semiconductor-related industries, further solidifying the region's position as a leader in this sector.