Andrew M. Cuomo - Governor

http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/07232014-nano-utica-initiative

Albany, New York(July 23, 2014)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a Section 404 permit for the Marcy Nanocenter site, enabling the next phase of the Nano Utica initiative. This includes the construction of a 450 MM enabled wafer fabrication campus and significant local job creation that will further solidify New York’s global position as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing and nanotechnology.

"The approval of this permit is an important step forward to continue economic development plans, creating jobs in the Mohawk Valley and building on our $1.5 billion investment at Nano Utica," Governor Cuomo said. "This new hub will recreate in Utica the success we have seen in Albany, with international investors taking note of the innovation and development happening in Upstate New York. I thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for approving this wetlands permit that will allow us to continue our on-time schedule of building a nanotechnology cluster here at the Nano Utica campus."

In October of last year, Governor Cuomo announced the ‘Nano Utica’ initiative, a $1.5 billion public-private partnership that would be spearheaded by the newly merged CNSE/SUNYIT. Construction of the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C) is currently underway and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2014.

The Marcy Nanocenter site is the largest remaining shovel-ready, greenfield site in New York State’s Tech Valley, and is located on the CNSE/SUNYIT Utica campus. Issuance of the Section 404 permit is the culmination of nearly 10 months of work to strike a balance on securing the regulatory approvals required to develop a publicly owned site for economic development. It will focus on critical investments to create, protect and restore environmentally sensitive sites at Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area and stream enhancement projects associated with storm damaged areas within the Mohawk River Watershed. Preliminary site work can now begin, paving the way for the development of up to three semiconductor-manufacturing facilities, each with 450,000 SF of cleanroom manufacturing space.

Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, Chief Executive Officer and Officer in Charge of SUNY CNSE/SUNYIT, said, "Governor Cuomo’s vision to establish a nanotechnology ecosystem stretching from Albany to Buffalo takes another step forward today, as the Marcy site is formally ready for development. In developing this site, the NanoCollege will leverage public-private partnerships to create investment, employment, and academic opportunities throughout the region. Working in partnership with Mohawk Valley Edge, our development of the Marcy site will further New York’s global leadership in the development of next generation technologies."

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher said, "Today's announcement marks an important milestone as Governor Cuomo expands the power and promise of nanotechnology in the Mohawk Valley and across New York to create local jobs, drive innovation, and establish the state as a globally recognized industry leader. The academic programs at SUNY CNSE/SUNY IT and across the system are growing in tandem with New York’s burgeoning high tech industries as SUNY rises to the challenge of training the 21st century workforce New York needs."

Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, "This is a welcome and long awaited decision by the Corps and is an example of how government at all levels needs to work together to build a stronger economy. I am pleased to see the federal regulatory policy align with the Governor and the legislature’s economic development vision that creates badly needed economic development opportunities here in the Mohawk Valley. Today marks an important milestone in helping to achieve that vision."

Assemblyman Anthony J. Brindisi said, "This agreement was the result of many people at different levels of government working together to come up with a reasonable solution. This is another very positive development for economic development in the Mohawk Valley that is the result of cooperation and collaboration. I especially want to thank Governor Cuomo and Senator Schumer for all that they did to resolve this issue. I am confident that we have the best site in New York State for advanced manufacturing, and I look forward to welcoming new tenants for it in the near future."

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said, "Today the Army Corps of Engineers issued the long awaited Wet Lands Permit for the Marcy Nanocenter Site. I want to thank Governor Cuomo, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Hanna for all of their hard work in making today a reality. I also want to thank Alain E. Kaloyeros from CNSE/SUNYIT and Steve DiMeo from Mohawk Valley EDGE for their commitment to this project. From day one as Oneida County Executive I have never wavered in my commitment to the Marcy Nanocenter Site and the future it represents. We have invested tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure projects, worked with our educational partners to become leaders in nanotechnology research and development and have built a plan through Vision 2020 to prepare for this new economy. We have removed a final barrier today with this permit and now we can close the deal to bring nanotechnology manufacturing here to Oneida County and with it five thousand jobs and an economy for the future."

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said, "This is another great day for the City of Uticaand the Greater Utica Area. Today’s announcement shows how far we’ve come in making Nano Utica a reality. I thank the Governor and our partners in the federal, state and local government for their tireless work in advocating for this transformative project."

Rome Mayor Joseph Fusco said, "The news of the permit issuance comes at a very important time for our area it will allow the nano project to proceed and with that economic growth and stability in our region. I would like to thank the governor's office and recognize the persistence of the folks at Mohawk Valley Edge for bringing this project closer to fruition‎."

Marcy Town Supervisor Brian Scala said, "First the Town of Marcy must thank Steve DiMeo, MV EDGE for all the work, over many, many years, he and his team put in to keep this permit application active and finally closing it out. Secondly we thank the Army Corp of Engineers for their desires in having all issues addressed on the Marcy NANO site before issuing this permit."

Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steve DiMeo said, "We are extremely pleased to have received the Section 404 permit, which enables us to get to work on building a truly exciting future here in the Mohawk Valley. The Mohawk Valley is on its way to becoming the state’s second major hub for nanotechnology, and will play a major role in Governor Cuomo’s vision to establish a Nano Canal Corridor that stretches from Albany to Buffalo."

Mohawk Valley EDGE has filed an application with the town of Marcy Planning Board to secure final site plan approval. Planning Board approval will authorize EDGE to commence preliminary site development activities.

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About SUNY CNSE. The SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) is the world leader in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience, and nanoeconomics. CNSE represents the world’s most advanced university-driven research enterprise, with more than $20 billion in high-tech investments and over 300 corporate partners. The 1.3 million-square-foot Albany NanoTech megaplex is home to more than 3,100 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty. CNSE maintains a statewide footprint, operating the Smart Cities Technology Innovation Center (SCiTI) at Kiernan Plaza in Albany, the Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon, the Photovoltaic Manufacturing and Technology Development Facility in Rochester, and the Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center (STC) in Canandaigua. CNSE co-founded and manages the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C) at SUNYIT and is lead developer of the Marcy Nanocenter site in Utica, as well as the Buffalo High-Tech Manufacturing Complex, Buffalo Information Technologies Innovation and Commercialization Hub, and Medical Innovation and Commercialization Hub. For information, visit www.sunycnse.com.

About SUNYIT.  SUNYIT, the State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome, is New York’s public polytechnic, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in technology, professional studies, and the arts and sciences. Its academic offerings in technology include engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; programs in professional studies include business, communication, and nursing; and offerings in the arts and sciences range from sciences to humanities to the social sciences. Athletics, recreational, cultural and campus life programs, events and activities complement the academic experience. Founded in 1966, SUNYIT is a unique high-tech learning environment on hundreds of acres, offering degree programs online as well as on campus. The SUNYIT family of alumni now numbers 25,000. For information, visit www.sunyit.edu.

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Media Contact:

Jerry Gretzinger, VP of Strategic Communications and Public Relations (518) 956-7359 | ggretzinger@albany.edu