Construction has started on the first phase of the $319 million Edwards Vacuum dry pump manufacturing facility at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the town of Alabama, Genesee County. The facility, which is part of the Atlas Copco Group, will produce vital technology for controlling the semiconductor manufacturing process. The construction is a result of the federal CHIPS and Science Act, New York's Green CHIPS legislation, and the growth of the domestic semiconductor industry. The facility is expected to create hundreds of jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Edwards Vacuum's decision to build in New York State is aimed at supporting its customers in North America, including Micron and GlobalFoundries in New York and Intel in Ohio. The first phase of construction includes manufacturing, warehouse, and administration facilities, with a capacity to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year. The facility will strive for LEED certification and will generate a majority of its power through hydroelectricity. Empire State Development has awarded Edwards Vacuum up to $21 million in tax credits in exchange for 600 jobs, and an additional $1 million for workforce development efforts. The New York Power Authority is supporting the project with low-cost Niagara hydropower. The construction of the Edwards Vacuum factory is part of Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to establish New York as a global hub for semiconductor research and manufacturing. [80e3ccdb]