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Powering Ohio's Future: Beatty's CHIPS Act Advocacy Delivers Again with Additional Intel Funding

March 20, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC   Today, President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced $8.5 billion in direct funding and up to $11 billion in loans under the CHIPS for America program, billions of which will support operations at Intel Ohio. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) played a crucial role in the development and negotiation of the CHIPS and Science Act, working to ensure that Central Ohio institutions and communities would benefit from the funding. Importantly, Beatty secured language in the final bill to guarantee that funds reach historically underserved communities and businesses.  

 

Today’s grant award secures the future of the $28 billion semiconductor facility. This investment not only strengthens the U.S. semiconductor industry but also enhances national security by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, all while establishing a tech stronghold in the Columbus Region. The new plant is scheduled to be completed by 2027.

 

“The Biden administration's CHIPS investment in Central Ohio will have far-reaching, generational implications for our community and the nation. Its transformative potential for education, research, workforce development, manufacturing, and business is boundless,” said Congresswoman Beatty.  “My leadership in shaping and passing the CHIPS and Science Act, realizing its game-changing potential for Central Ohio's communities, makes this milestone particularly rewarding. Thanks to this historic investment, Ohioans will lead the way in onshoring key 21st-century jobs and rebuilding America's technological and manufacturing dominance in the semiconductor space. I am grateful to President Biden, Secretary Raimondo, Intel, and our regional partners for their commitment to ushering in a new Silicon Heartland right here in Central Ohio.”

 

“Today’s announcement is one more critical step in a national effort to build a more resilient economy and improve our national security. Intel, the State of Ohio, the City of New Albany, Licking County, and so many other public and private partners have come together in unprecedented ways to advance this project in the past two years, said Kenny McDonald, President & CEO, Columbus Partnership. “This federal investment leverages all these investments and fulfills the intent of the CHIPS & Science Act. Thank you to the CHIPS for America team, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the White House for their diligent work to make this day a reality.”

 

“At Ohio State, we are preparing our students to be leaders and innovators in the U.S. semiconductor industry through cutting-edge research and education to help transform our state and nation’s economy,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., The Ohio State University.  “Funding through CHIPs means these opportunities will continue to be available here in Ohio, and we are proud to do our part to amplify the impact of this investment as we collaborate with industry and public sector partners in the Columbus Region. It has been a great team effort to make today’s announcement a reality.” 

 

“The awarding of CHIPs dollars speaks to the vital importance of the semiconductor industry for our state and our country. Columbus State is working hard right now to help future technicians understand the opportunity and develop the skills that will power an industry and change thousands of lives for the better,” said President David Harrison, Columbus State Community College.  “When those fabs are ready, Columbus State will have trained hundreds of Ohioans with the skills they need to make the most of this generational investment. We stand ready to help build a brighter tomorrow for America’s Silicon Heartland.” 

 

“We’ve always known Intel’s investment in central Ohio would be a game changer for the state, bringing jobs and opportunities for many residents. Today’s announcement of CHIPS Act dollars for the project guarantees it will happen, said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, City of Columbus.  “Thank you to the Biden Administration and Congress! As the region prepares for new jobs with workforce training, and additional water and road improvements, I encourage leaders not to lose sight of the need for housing across the region. We must consider housing as infrastructure to assure our success is equitable.” 

 

“This news confirms what we’ve long hoped for – the Columbus Region is ready to open its doors to a massive new sector of the economy. What this means for the underrepresented communities of Columbus can’t be overstated. By working together, public and private partners have put in the work to ensure that this growth is inclusive of the growing diversity that our city is experiencing,” said Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO, Columbus Urban League.  “This investment not only brings the promise of opportunity, but also paves the way for meaningful participation and advancement for all members of our community, regardless of background or circumstance. It's a testament to our collective efforts in building a more equitable and vibrant Columbus for generations to come.”

 

“We’re expecting this funding to further elevate the already intensive interest we’ve seen among Ohioans who want to be a part of our region’s advanced manufacturing future, “saidLisa Patt-McDaniel, CEO, Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio.  “The needs of the Columbus Region’s burgeoning semiconductor industry are going to be vast, and we’re up to the task of filling those needs. We look forward to working with all our key partners to make sure Ohio families are poised to secure the future they’ve hoped for.” 

 

“Intel’s transformative investment in Ohio represents a monumental opportunity for Columbus, the State of Ohio, and the United States. We at COSI are thrilled to witness this landmark announcement that will drive economic growth and innovation through robust public-private collaboration,” saidDr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO, the Center of Science & Industry (COSI). “As a longstanding leader in science education, COSI eagerly anticipates enhancing our partnership with Intel and community stakeholders across our innovative American heartland and beyond. Together, we will inspire and develop the next generation of STEAM leaders and pioneers whose curiosity and ingenuity will fuel revolutionary advancements for decades to come. This historic investment paves the way for an incredibly exciting future.” 

 

Today’s proposed funding would help ensure more leading-edge logic chips, essential to the world’s most advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, are developed and made domestically. As President Biden highlighted in his State of the Union, the CHIPS and Science Act is charting a new course to manufacture critical technologies in America, lead the world in innovation, and create good jobs here in the United States. Today’s announcement is the Department of Commerce’s fourth preliminary memorandum of terms announcement under the CHIPS and Science Act.

 

For inquiries, please contact Cassandra Johnson at Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.

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