Morelle, Tenney both support regional Tech Hub for Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle’s Office

Today, Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY), Brian Higgins (D-NY), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Brandon Williams (R-NY)  announced their bipartisan support for the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART I-Corridor) application for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program.

The bipartisan group of New York members saw the opportunity to build on the strengths of their unique communities, collaborate across specialized industries and reinvigorate economic growth for years to come. Following enormous community effort and collaboration from their universities, field experts, and local and federal advocates, the NY SMART I-Corridor application offers a promising future for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region.

“For generations, Rochester has been synonymous with innovation, and it has long been my priority in Congress to launch our next chapter of growth and prosperity with Tech Hub designation,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Federal investment in local innovation will build on the strengths of our unique communities and catalyze the growth of our domestic semiconductor industry benefitting all Americans. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues from the New York delegation and look forward to our work together reinvigorating the Finger Lakes region for the next generation.”

Enacted as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, and modeled after Congressman Morelle’s Innovation Centers Acceleration Act first introduced in 2020, the Tech Hub program will invest in U.S. regions focused on key technologies, including semiconductor research and advanced manufacturing, to strengthen our domestic supply chain and reinvigorate regional economies.

The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region is uniquely poised to excel in semiconductor production due to a highly trained workforce, world-class universities, and extensive manufacturing infrastructure. MIT economists Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson identified 100 cities as prime candidates for economic growth through targeted federal investment. On that list, Rochester is ranked number one, Syracuse number three, and Buffalo number fifteen.

The promising NY SMART I-Corridor proposal is the first step in a two-phase application process for federal investment via the Tech Hub program. Successful applicants will receive Tech Hub designation, which is key for Phase 2 federal investment opportunities.

“Over the past few years we have seen how our reliance on foreign countries for semiconductors can cause shortages, economic harm, and the undermining of our national security,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Designating Western New York as a Tech Hub will help make our national supply chains more secure and self-reliant while bringing jobs to Upstate and Western New York. Home of the industrial revolution, with this federal investment, our community can continue to be a source of technological innovation and advancement. I am honored to join a bipartisan group of New York legislators as we work to boost innovation, support our local economy, and create opportunities for our businesses to thrive.”